Zoe Saldaña is speaking out about the drama surrounding her “Emilia Pérez” co-star, Karla Sofía Gascón, after old racist, Islamophobic, and antisemitic tweets surfaced online. The actress, visibly upset, addressed the controversy head-on.
In a recent Q&A session in London, Saldaña expressed her sadness. “I’m still processing everything that has transpired in the last couple of days,” she said. “It makes me really sad because I don’t support and don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group.”
Saldaña defends her experience with the cast
Saldaña emphasized that her personal experience with the film’s cast and crew had been positive. “My interactions were about inclusivity, collaboration, and equity in all forms,” she said. “It just saddens me that this is happening now.”
Shocking tweets uncovered
The tweets, discovered by journalist Sara Hagi, were shocking. They revealed Gascón making derogatory comments about Black people and Muslims. The posts included calling George Floyd, the Black man tragically murdered by Minneapolis police in 2020, “a drug addict and a scammer.”
Gascón’s posts date back as far as 2016, with some still appearing as recently as 2023. The backlash was swift, and soon after, Gascón deleted her X (formerly Twitter) account and issued an apology to The Associated Press.
Gascón defends herself
However, the controversy didn’t stop there. Gascón took to Instagram, defending herself in Spanish, claiming she had been “condemned without a trial.” She further argued that her critics had already “won” by tarnishing her reputation.
Timing of the scandal
This scandal couldn’t have come at a worse time for the “Emilia Pérez” team. Just days before the racist posts were uncovered, the film earned a total of 13 Oscar nominations, with Saldaña receiving her first-ever nomination for Best Actress.
Saldaña remains hopeful despite setback
“I’m sad that we’re facing this setback right now,” Saldaña admitted during the Q&A. Despite the controversy, she remained hopeful. “But I’m happy that you’re all still showing up for ‘Emilia,’ because the message of this film is so powerful. It can bring real change to marginalized communities, which is more important than ever.”
A film with a powerful message
The situation has rocked the “Emilia Pérez” team, but the powerful message of the film is clear: inclusivity, equity, and cultural collaboration matter. Saldaña’s words were a reminder that the film’s impact still stands strong despite the ongoing drama.
The controversy surrounding Gascón has cast a shadow, but the support for the movie remains unwavering. Saldaña’s commitment to standing by her colleagues—without condoning harmful views—shows the strength of her character and the team’s dedication to their work.
The drama is far from over, but one thing is certain: the “Emilia Pérez” team is determined to let their film speak for itself. Saldaña’s powerful message about collaboration and inclusivity is a call for change in the industry—and beyond.
