Karla Sofía Gascón Defends Herself Amid Backlash Over Controversial Social Media Posts

BEVERLY HILLS, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA - JANUARY 05: 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 5, 2025 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States.
Photo: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency

Karla Sofía Gascón, the Oscar-nominated actress for Emilia Pérez, is speaking out after facing a wave of criticism surrounding her past social media posts. The 52-year-old star, who has recently received widespread recognition for her groundbreaking role in Emilia Pérez, shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram on February 4, 2025, addressing the controversy and requesting guidance from the media on how she should move forward.

The backlash stems from comments Gascón made between 2016 and 2021, which were shared by journalist Sarah Hagi. The posts, which touch on sensitive topics such as Muslim culture, George Floyd, and diversity, sparked outrage and prompted calls for accountability. In her Instagram post, Gascón emphasized that she has “nothing to hide” and explained the context behind her past comments, offering a personal reflection on her growth and transition.

“For years, I have given myself body and soul to The Emilia Pérez Family,” Gascón wrote in her Spanish-language statement, which was translated and shared on Instagram. “As I always do with everything I love and believe in. Today, more than ever, I want to thank those who have recognized my work, the festivals that have celebrated our film, and every person who has been part of this journey.”

She went on to express her gratitude to her team, colleagues, and fans for their continued support, especially during what she called an emotional “roller coaster” over the past few days. “I have been transparent because I have nothing to hide,” Gascón wrote. She explained that many of her controversial posts were made during a time when she “felt lost in my transition, seeking approval in the eyes of others.”

The actress, who is currently in the midst of an award season campaign for her performance in Emilia Pérez, expressed a sense of clarity and self-awareness in her statement. “But today, I finally know who I am. I only seek the freedom to exist without fear, to create art without barriers and to move forward with my new life,” she added, acknowledging the attempts by some to “apply ‘cancel culture'” to her.

Gascón’s call for guidance was also clear in her post. She directly addressed Hollywood journalists and industry experts, asking them for advice on how to navigate the situation. “I ask the Hollywood experts, the journalists who know me and who have followed my career, how do I move forward?” she wrote, tagging multiple entertainment outlets in her post.

Despite the controversy surrounding her past statements, Gascón has continued to be a central figure in this year’s awards season. Her performance in Emilia Pérez has garnered widespread acclaim, and she is nominated for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards, marking a historic achievement as the first openly transgender woman to receive an Oscar nomination in that category.

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Additionally, Gascón has received nominations at the upcoming Critics Choice Awards, where she is also up for Best Actress, and at the SAG Awards. The nomination for Emilia Pérez has already earned the film 13 total Oscar nominations, the most of any film this year.

The criticism surrounding Gascón has not been limited to social media. In an interview with CNN en Español that aired on February 2, 2025, Gascón addressed the issue head-on, stating that she would not consider stepping down from her Oscar nomination. “I cannot step down from an Oscar nomination because I have not committed any crime, nor have I harmed anyone,” she said, defending herself against accusations that she holds views contrary to inclusivity and diversity. “I am neither racist nor anything that all these people have tried to make others believe I am.”

The actress also responded to the backlash from some of her peers, including Zoe Saldaña, who publicly expressed disappointment over Gascón’s past social media posts. Saldaña, a prominent actress in the industry, told PEOPLE that she was “really sad” about Gascón’s controversial tweets, stating, “I don’t support it.” Gascón, however, stood firm in her position and emphasized that her past actions do not define her present or future.

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the accountability of public figures, particularly when it comes to social media posts made years ago. Gascón’s case highlights the complexities of cancel culture and the way in which public figures must navigate their past in the age of social media.

As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, all eyes will be on Gascón, not only for her groundbreaking nomination but also for her response to the ongoing backlash. Her situation underscores the challenges of being an outspoken, boundary-pushing figure in an industry that continues to grapple with issues of race, identity, and inclusion.

For now, Gascón remains focused on her work, thanking her supporters and colleagues while seeking clarity on how to move forward. Her candidness and willingness to address the controversy head-on may shape her legacy both as an actress and as a public figure navigating the complexities of modern celebrity.

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As the Academy Awards approach, Gascón’s future — and her place in the industry — remains uncertain, but her determination to stand her ground is clear. “I am not the person they want to make me out to be,” she affirmed in her recent statements.

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