January 31, 2025: Karla Sofia Gascon, the Oscar-nominated actress for her role in Emilia Perez, has issued a heartfelt apology after past social media posts resurfaced, causing controversy during the awards season.
The posts, which date back around five years, contained insensitive remarks about major events, including the murder of George Floyd, and offensive comments about Islam and its followers in Spain. These posts were made when Gascon was acting in local television productions, before her public transition and coming out as a transgender woman in 2016.
Gascon, who made history as the first openly transgender woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, expressed deep regret over the comments, acknowledging the hurt they caused. In a statement issued through Netflix and obtained by Deadline, she wrote, “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well, and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life, I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”
While Gascon’s past remarks have sparked significant backlash, her apology has been viewed as a step towards taking accountability. The controversy comes at a time when Gascon has been receiving widespread acclaim for her role in Emilia Perez, which earned her an Oscar nomination. Her performance in the film also led to her becoming the first openly transgender actress to receive a Golden Globe nomination.
Emilia Perez has garnered further recognition, earning nominations for Best Picture and Best International Film at the upcoming Academy Awards. Despite the controversy, Gascon’s apology shows her commitment to growth and her determination to continue making a positive impact in both her career and her advocacy for marginalized communities.