Netflix takes drastic measure over Karla Sofia Gascon controversy as streamer wades into ‘racist’ unearthed tweets row
Netflix has pulled its support for Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón in her bid to achieve the Best Actress award at the Oscars this year after a string of racist social media posts came to light.
The actress made history by becoming the first openly transgender person to receive an Academy Award nomination and had widespread support before the posts – made in 2020 and 2021 – resurfaced.
The series of offensive tweets by Gascón also mocked the Academy Awards for their diversity.
The 52-year-old deactivated her social media after posts were uncovered by writer Sarah Hagi which ridiculed Muslim dress codes, described George Floyd as “a drug addict swindler” and questioned diversity at the Academy Awards ceremony.
She also mocked Adele’s arms after her weight loss and targeted Emilia Perez co-star Selena Gomez by calling her a “rich rat”.
In response to the public outcry that has since followed, Gascón has issued a series of statements, arguing she has been misunderstood.
Now, streaming service Netflix, which is showing Emilia Pérez, has reportedly removed the actress from promotional emails and plans to edit posters so Gascón’s co-stars have more prominent appearances or appear alone, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It is also understood the corporation will not be covering any of Gascón’s travel or promotional costs.
Without Netflix’s backing, it is believed Gascón won’t appear at some of the key events lined up for the film’s final push ahead of the March awards.
These include the AFI Awards luncheon, the Critics Choice Awards, the Directors Guild of America Awards, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
GB News has contacted Netflix for a comment regarding the reports.
A recent interview with CNN en Espanol saw Gascón alternating between apologies and defiant responses as she discussed posts about George Floyd, Islam, and an alleged tweet about co-star Selena Gomez.
“My sincerest apologies to everyone who may have felt offended by the way I express myself in my past, present, and future,” she said tearfully.
The actress claimed she has endured “very, very difficult days” since the controversy erupted.
During the interview, Gascón insisted she could relate to the struggles of oppressed peoples throughout history.
“I feel and very much identify with the people who were thrown off buses for the colour of their skin, with the people who did not want them to study at university, for the people who were hated simply for existing, like how I am hated in this moment,” she said.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Adele ‘body-shamed’ by trans Oscar nominee amid controversial tweets row as Emilia Perez star takes drastic actionOscars makes history as trans woman bags nomination in leading actress category amid Emilia Perez record-breaking haulOscar-nominated trans actress in cancel culture row as ‘racist’ and ‘anti-Islam’ tweets resurface ahead of ceremony
“I have not stopped receiving hate, death threats, insults, abuses,” she told interviewer Juan Carlos Arciniegas.
She emphasised repeatedly that she is “not a racist” and claimed she had been “judged, condemned, sacrificed, crucified, and stoned without a trial and without the opportunity to defend myself.”
Addressing her controversial George Floyd tweet, Gascón acknowledged writing the post but claimed it was misunderstood.