Selena Gomez Responds to Criticism Over Spanish Fluency in ‘Emilia Perez’

April 25, 2025: Selena Gomez is rising above the criticism surrounding her Spanish language skills in the upcoming film Emilia Perez. Despite facing backlash over her portrayal of a bicultural character, the actress is choosing to focus on the rewarding experience of playing the role, sharing how the journey helped her grow as an artist.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Gomez spoke candidly about her time working on the film and the challenges she faced. She revealed that taking on the role pushed her into uncomfortable spaces, which she described as some of the most rewarding moments of her career.

“I pushed myself into uncomfortable spaces, which as an actress are the most rewarding,” Gomez said. “It was a magical time, and working with [director] Jacques Audiard was one of my best experiences.”

However, Gomez has not been immune to criticism, particularly regarding her Spanish-speaking skills and accent. Among the voices of criticism was Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez, who labeled her performance as “indefensible.” Despite the harsh comments, Gomez has remained defiant, standing by her work.

“I understand where you are coming from,” she responded to critics, “I’m sorry I did the best I could with the time I was given. It doesn’t take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie.”

Her defense of her performance is consistent with her desire to approach her roles authentically and with sincerity. Gomez has always been open about her Mexican-American heritage, and while the film’s authenticity has been questioned, her commitment to her craft is undeniable.

Despite the controversy, Gomez remains proud of the film and her work, reflecting on the positive aspects of the experience. During a Q&A session at the 2025 Santa Barbara Film Festival, Gomez shared her gratitude for the journey.

“I’m really good,” Gomez said, adding, “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just, I’m just grateful and live with no regrets.”

Looking ahead, Gomez is taking her time in choosing her next project. She emphasized her desire to find a role that challenges her and allows her to collaborate with the right director, keeping her artistic growth at the forefront.

“I am taking my time to find the right role and director to work with next,” Gomez said. “Because I want it to be a challenge and unexpected.”

As Gomez continues to navigate the highs and lows of her career, one thing is clear: she remains determined to stay true to her artistic vision and embrace new opportunities with an open heart.