Netflix has finally addressed the growing controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez, its critically acclaimed film that has earned 13 Academy Award nominations. The film’s success has been overshadowed by resurfaced racist tweets from its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, sparking debates about social media vetting in Hollywood.
Netflix Responds to the Scandal
In a recent interview on The Town podcast, Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria commented on the situation, calling it “a bummer” that the controversy has taken attention away from the film’s achievements. She emphasized the artistic significance of Emilia Pérez, citing the talents of director Jacques Audiard and co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez.
Netflix is now reassessing its approach to vetting talent, particularly regarding past social media activity. Bajaria admitted that scrutinizing posts from “tens of thousands of people” would be challenging but acknowledged the increasing importance of public perception.
Despite the backlash, she remained firm in Netflix’s support: “If you ask me today, everything I know, we would still buy the movie today.”
Selena Gomez Speaks Out
The controversy has also put pressure on the film’s cast. At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Selena Gomez expressed disappointment that “some of the magic has disappeared.”
However, Gomez defended her involvement in the project, stating, “I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just grateful and live with no regrets.” She affirmed that she would still take on the film “over and over again.”
The Source of the Backlash
The controversy stems from past social media posts by Gascón that included racially insensitive and xenophobic remarks. These resurfaced in January, prompting public outrage.
Gascón, the first openly transgender performer to receive an Oscar nomination in an acting category, has issued multiple apologies, including a detailed interview with CNN en Español. However, many critics argue that her efforts to clarify her remarks have not been sufficient.
Award Season Fallout?
Emilia Pérez started its awards campaign as a strong contender, but the controversy has led some industry insiders to speculate that its Oscar chances are now at risk.
Historically, backlash of this nature has impacted award show results, and the question remains: Will the Academy distance itself from the film, or will voters separate the art from the controversy?
The Bigger Conversation: Social Media Vetting in Hollywood
This situation has reignited discussions about Hollywood’s responsibility in vetting talent’s online history. Netflix, along with other studios, faces increasing pressure to ensure that public figures uphold inclusive values.
Bajaria acknowledged the complexities of monitoring past posts but hinted at industry-wide conversations on whether social media vetting should become standard practice.
Where Does Netflix Stand Now?
Despite the controversy, Netflix continues to stand behind the film, affirming its support for Emilia Pérez and its cast.
As the Oscars approach, the industry’s response—from voting results to red carpet interviews—will determine how much impact this debate will have on the film’s legacy.
Looking Ahead
The Emilia Pérez controversy is the latest example of how an actor’s digital history can overshadow a project’s artistic merits. Moving forward, Hollywood faces a crucial question: Should strict social media vetting become the norm, or should the industry focus on growth and redemption?
One thing is certain—this conversation is far from over.