Amid controversy, Karla skips Oscars nominees' dinner
What's the story
Karla Sofia Gascon, the star of Emilia Perez and the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Academy Award, was notably absent from the Oscar nominees dinner on Tuesday night.
The dinner was held at the Academy Museum without her.
This absence comes after Gascon has missed several major awards season events amid controversy over past social media posts.
Controversy details
Gascon's controversial posts and subsequent apology
Gascon, 52, has faced backlash for old social media posts where she criticized Muslim culture, George Floyd, and diversity, among other things.
In the wake of the backlash, she deactivated her X account and denied accusations of racism in multiple statements and interviews.
On February 6, she apologized on Instagram saying she hoped her "silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is."
Reactions
'Emilia Perez' cast and director's reactions to Gascon's controversy
Gascon's Emilia Perez co-star Zoe Saldana also expressed her disappointment over the controversy surrounding her. She said she was "really sad" about it but noted that she remains proud of their film.
Meanwhile, Emilia Perez director Jacques Audiard acknowledged Gascon in his acceptance speech at the 78th British Academy Film Awards, which the actor missed.
Future plans
Gascon's future plans amid controversy
Despite the ongoing controversy and her absence from multiple Los Angeles awards events this month, a source told PEOPLE that Gascon plans to attend the Oscar ceremony.
Her co-stars Saldana and Selena Gomez are also expected to attend the event.
Representatives for both Gascon and Netflix, which distributes Emilia Perez, have yet to respond to requests for comment on these plans.
However, reports also suggest that Netflix will be funding Gascon's Oscar attendance.