Netflix has dropped Karla Sofia Gascon, the star of “Emilia Perez,” from its high-profile Oscars campaign and removed itself from the best actress nominee over her offensive social media posts, Hollywood trade outlets reported Tuesday.
Gascon, the first openly transgender acting nominee at the Academy Awards, was featured on posters, signs, and ads for a musical film that received 13 Oscar nominations, the most of any movie this year.
That effort changed direction quickly after old social media posts came to light last week. In those posts, Gascon referred to Islam as “an infection” and “deeply disgusting.”
Gascon criticized and made fun of various topics, including diversity efforts, China, and George Floyd, the Black man whose killing by police in 2020 led to large protests.
The 52-year-old Spanish star first apologized in a statement from Netflix and turned off her account on X, which used to be called Twitter. However, she later changed her mind and defended herself publicly.
She told Parhlo World that she is “not a racist” and will not drop out of the Oscar race, pointing to “cancel culture” in an Instagram post.
According to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, Netflix has stopped including Gascon in its promotion for “Emilia Perez,” which they had hoped would win the best picture Oscar.
On Tuesday, a Netflix webpage for the film “For Your Awards Consideration” featured a picture of Zoe Saldana, who is nominated for best supporting actor.
During Hollywood’s busy award season, Gascon will not attend events like the Critics Choice Awards gala on Friday, according to trade mags.
When asked by AFP, Netflix chose not to make a public statement.
“Emilia Perez” is about a Mexican drug gang leader who decides to become a woman and leave her life of crime behind.
It had faced criticism for how it showed Mexico and the drug war, its handling of trans issues, and its use of artificial intelligence to change Gascon’s voice in singing scenes.
So far, it has managed to survive those challenges and is still seen as a top contender for several Academy Awards.
Movies that spark controversy have still found success at the Oscars.
“Green Book” is a drama about a Black singer and his white driver in the 1960s South. It received a lot of criticism for promoting “white savior” stereotypes.
Also Read: Beyoncé’s Shocked Face at the Grammys Becomes the Internet’s New Favourite Meme
During the Oscars campaign, a tweet came out where a movie director backed false claims that Muslims were celebrating in New Jersey after the 9/11 attacks.
What do you say about this story? Visit Parhlo World For more.
