February 11, 2025: At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Selena Gomez addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding her film Emilia Perez and her co-star Karla Sofia Gascon. Gomez expressed that while some of the “magic” from the project had been affected by the situation, she remains proud of her work and is grateful for the experience. She added, “I live with no regrets and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
The controversy centers on past social media posts by Gascon, which resurfaced and contained offensive remarks, including Islamophobic and anti-Black comments. Following backlash, Gascon publicly apologized for her previous posts in a heartfelt Instagram post on February 1. In her apology, Gascon reflected on her personal growth and admitted her words were misunderstood. She emphasized that she is committed to learning and becoming a better person, sharing her transformation through Nichiren Buddhism, which she credits for helping her evolve.
Gascon also addressed a 2022 post where she had criticized Gomez, referring to her as a “rich rat.” Gascon explained that the post was taken out of context and defended her actions as misunderstood. She acknowledged her flaws and reiterated her commitment to social justice, equality, and fighting for a just society.
The controversy also involved past remarks by Gascon on George Floyd and Muslim culture, further drawing criticism. However, Gascon denied any intent to be racist, affirming her stance against oppression and religious extremism. She concluded her apology with a quote from her mother, promoting a message of love and hope.