Zoe Saldana Addresses Controversy Surrounding Co-Star Karla Sofía Gascón
Zoe Saldana has recently spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding her Emilia Pérez co-star, Karla Sofía Gascón. Gascón, aged 52, faced backlash after past social media posts resurfaced, with some dating back to 2016. These posts targeted various religious groups, including the Muslim community in her home country of Spain. She also made critical comments about George Floyd, who tragically lost his life at the hands of a police officer in 2020.
During a Q&A session in London on Friday, January 31, Saldana, aged 46, expressed her sadness over Gascón’s comments. She stated, “I’m still processing everything that has transpired in the last couple of days, and I’m sad. It makes me really sad because I don’t support it, and I don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group.”
Emilia Pérez is a musical drama that follows the story of the leader of a Mexican cartel, played by Gascón, who enlists the help of a lawyer, portrayed by Saldana, to fake her death and undergo a gender transition. Gascón made history by becoming the first transgender woman to receive nominations for Best Actress at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards for her role in the film.
Saldana emphasized the positive experiences she had with the cast and crew of the film, highlighting inclusivity, collaboration, and equity in terms of race, culture, and gender. She expressed her disappointment at the setback caused by Gascón’s controversial comments but appreciated the audience’s support for Emilia Pérez and acknowledged the film’s potential to bring about positive change in marginalized communities.
Gascón has since issued an apology for her past posts and has deactivated her X account. In a statement released through Netflix, she expressed regret for causing pain and reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for a better world, believing in the triumph of light over darkness.
Emilia Pérez has faced criticism from Spanish-speaking viewers for its portrayal of Mexico and the awkwardness of its songs and dialogues. The film’s exclusion from nominations at the GLAAD Media Awards in January led to further scrutiny, with the LGBTQ+ non-profit organization describing it as a step back for trans representation. Trans critics have pointed out various issues with the film, including its unrealistic depiction of gender-affirming surgery.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez underscores the importance of accurate and respectful representation in film, particularly when addressing marginalized communities. As the conversation around inclusivity and diversity in media continues to evolve, it is crucial for filmmakers and actors to approach sensitive subjects with integrity and authenticity.