Controversy Erupts for Oscar-Nominated Actress Karla Sofía Gascón Over Past Racist Comments
After celebrating her Oscar nomination for Best Actress in "Emilia Pérez," Karla Sofía Gascón finds herself embroiled in controversy following the resurfacing of several racist tweets that have drawn condemnation. The tweets, compiled by Variety, reveal Gascón expressing derogatory views towards Islam and making critical comments about George Floyd and the COVID vaccine, while also targeting singer Adele and the Oscars ceremonies themselves.
In response to the backlash, Gascón issued an apology through Netflix, which distributes "Emilia Pérez" in the United States. She expressed regret for the pain her words have caused and emphasized her commitment to combating hate. However, the actress has since deactivated her X account due to the escalating situation. In a new statement released by El País and the EFE agency, Gascón addressed her decision to step away from social media, stating, "I'm sorry, but I can no longer allow this hate and misinformation campaign to affect me or my family any further."
Gascón mentioned her responsibility toward her daughter, describing the threats she has received and her desire to protect her family. She reflected on her previous engagement with social media and acknowledged its negative turn, admitting, "I had long ago made the decision to close a social network that has taken a terrible turn."
Being the first transgender actress nominated for an Oscar, Gascón asserted her support for various minorities and her participation in events opposing racism, freedom of religion, and homophobia. In her statement, she mentioned, "I have defended each and every minority in this world and supported any events against racism, freedom of religion or homophobia, just as I have criticized the hypocrisy that underlies them."
The actress pointed out the importance of self-critique, affirming that she is not perfect. Gascón expressed dismay that her words were taken out of context or manipulated to harm her. "I would like to explain myself more calmly regarding everything they dig up to try to bring me down and denounce that it is clear that there is something very dark behind it," she elaborated.
Despite the backlash, Gascón is determined to rise above the controversy, stating, "The more they try to bring me down, the stronger it will make me. The victory will be greater. I apologize once again if any of my words hurt you."
Among the tweets highlighted by Variety, some conveyed harsh views on Islam, such as her observation about the increasing presence of Muslim women in Spain, which she framed in a disparaging manner. Additionally, she expressed absurd conspiracy theories regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
As discussions around her tweets continue, Gascón's journey in the Oscar race remains closely watched, presenting a complex intersection of personal belief, public persona, and societal expectations.
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