Emilia Pérez: Karla Sofía Gascón Fallout–Zoe Saldana: ‘I Allow Myself to Still Experience Joy’ Amid Oscar Scandal
Zoe Saldaña is speaking out about the controversy surrounding her “Emilia Pérez” co-star Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past social media posts have resurfaced, drawing criticism for their offensive and Islamophobic rhetoric.
The backlash has overshadowed the film’s historic Oscar recognition, including Saldaña’s first nomination for best supporting actress Oscar.
Saldaña expressed her sadness over the situation, emphasizing that the film was created with the intention of inclusivity and love. “I’m sad. Time and time again, that’s the word because that is the sentiment that has been living in my chest since everything happened,” Saldaña says. “I’m also disappointed. I can’t speak for other people’s actions. All I can attest to is my experience, and never in a million years did I ever believe that we would be here.”
Saldaña did not comment directly on whether she had spoken to Gascón since the controversy erupted.
“I feel like I’ve spoken enough about it,” she said, adding that she is still processing the situation. “It’s not just something we have to figure out immediately.”
“I do not support any negative rhetoric of racism and bigotry towards any group of people,” she reiterated. “That is what I want to stand for.”
Despite the controversy, Saldaña remains hopeful that the film’s legacy will endure and that audiences will recognize the work of everyone involved.
“I will always be a hopeful person,” she says. “I was not raised to have any negative judgment towards people of any group. While being that person, I can still stand by a body of work that I can be proud of.”
“It’s important for our community of filmmakers to keep believing in what we set our hearts on. Always look to grow as artists and be a part of telling stories that may sometimes be provocative but still bring up necessary conversations.”
