“Emilia Pérez” Star Karla Sofía Gascón Says She’s ‘Not a Racist’ in Tearful Interview

In a heartfelt interview on CNN en Español, Karla Sofía Gascón, the star of ‘Emilia Pérez’, spoke out against allegations of racism and Islamophobia, insisting that she is “not a racist”. The Oscar nominee, aged 52, engaged in a one-hour dialogue with anchor Juan Carlos Arciniegas, where she addressed the controversies surrounding her past social media posts, including a supposed tweet directed at her Emilia Pérez co-star, Selena Gomez.

Gascón became visibly emotional during the interview, expressing her refusal to renounce her Oscar nomination. As the first transgender woman ever nominated for Best Actress at the prestigious awards show, she emphasised that she cannot step down from the nomination as her work is being recognised solely for her acting capabilities.

Addressing the backlash over her comments about the tragic death of George Floyd, Gascón clarified that her intention was misconstrued. She highlighted the need for understanding the context of her words, emphasising that she has never insulted anyone based on their skin colour and vehemently opposes any form of discrimination.

The actress also touched upon alleged Islamophobic remarks, explaining that her posts were actually expressing opposition to radical Islam and reaffirming her respect for all individuals. She stressed that she has never intended to harm anyone and questioned the validity of the accusations levelled against her.

Regarding a controversial tweet in which she was reported to have disparaged Selena Gomez, Gascón vehemently denied its existence, alleging that the fabricated post was a deliberate attempt to derail her Oscar campaign. She expressed her indifference towards awards but underscored her commitment to representing those who identify with her struggles and journey.

Despite facing backlash and harassment due to her past social media activities, Gascón remains resilient, prioritising the protection of her family amidst threats and negativity. Her Emilia Pérez co-star, Zoe Saldaña, also weighed in on the situation, expressing sadness over the unfolding events and reiterating her stance against any form of negative rhetoric.

In a bold move, Gascón chose to close her X/Twitter account in response to the relentless campaign of hate and misinformation directed at her. The actress emphasised the importance of standing up against false narratives and protecting her loved ones in the face of adversity.

As the controversy continues to unfold, Gascón’s unwavering commitment to her values and beliefs shines through, reaffirming her stance against racism, discrimination, and divisiveness. The interview with CNN en Español sheds light on the challenges she faces and her determination to rise above the storm, inspiring others to strive for positive change and inclusivity in the industry.

Please keep an eye on further developments on this story as it unfolds.