'Emilia Perez' star Karla Sofia apologizes for racist, insensitive tweets
What's the story
Karla Sofia Gascon, the Oscar-nominated star of Emilia Perez, has apologized for controversial tweets/posts she made five years ago.
The apology was issued through Netflix amid fears that the posts could jeopardize her chances during the awards season.
Her statement read: "I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt."
"As someone in a marginalized community...I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain."
Controversy posts
From George Floyd's murder to comments against Islam
The controversy surrounding Gascon stems from her old social media posts, which have been criticized as highly insensitive and potentially racist.
The posts touched on sensitive topics such as the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers and derogatory comments about Islam and its followers in Spain.
One post from 2021 reads, "More and more the #Oscars are looking like a ceremony for independent and protest films."
Twitter Post
Her tweet criticized Islamic women's clothing
El islam es maravilloso, sin ningún tipo de machismo. A la mujer se la respeta, y cuando se la respeta mucho le dejan un cuadrito en la cara para que se le vean los ojos y la boca, pero si se porta bien.
— Karla Sofía Gascón (@karsiagascon) September 3, 2020
Aunque ellas se visten así por gusto.
Qué ASCO MÁS PROFUNDO DE HUMANIDAD. pic.twitter.com/LMzYXWbviG
Historic nomination
Gascon's historic Oscar nomination amid controversy
Despite the controversy, Gascon remains a historic figure in the film industry. She is the first transgender female actor to receive an Oscar nomination and was also the first openly transgender female actor to be nominated for a Golden Globe.
Her film, Emilia Perez, is in contention for Best Picture and Best International Film at the Oscars.
These achievements have been overshadowed by her past social media activity.
Career highlights
Gascon was a favorite before the row erupted
Gascon already made history as the first openly transgender actor to be nominated for an Oscar.
She is also the first transgender woman to win the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, an honor she shared with her co-stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz.
Despite her past social media controversy, fans hope Gascon's public apology helps her stay on this path.