Karla Sofía Gascón Refutes Negative Post About “Emilia Pérez” Costar Selena Gomez: ‘I Would Never Refer to Her That Way’

Karla Sofía Gascón Denies Making Negative Comments about Selena Gomez

Karla Sofía Gascón is speaking out against allegations that she insulted her co-star Selena Gomez on social media. Amid resurfacing old posts that sparked accusations of racism and Islamophobia, the Academy Award-nominated actress, 52, sat down for an emotional interview with CNN en Español. During the hour-long discussion on February 2, Gascón apologized for the old posts but maintained that the controversial comments attributed to Gomez were false. Referring to a tweet in which she was reported to have called Gomez a “rich rat” during a rumored feud with Hailey Bieber, Gascón vehemently denied authorship of those words, telling CNN, “It’s not mine, of course.”

According to The Latin Times, the alleged post in question reads, “She’s a rich rat who plays the poor b—— whenever she can and will never stop bothering her ex-boyfriend and his wife,” in reference to Gomez’s past relationship with Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey. Gascón made it clear in her CNN interview that the statement did not originate from her, stating firmly, “I have never said anything about my colleague. I would never refer to her that way.” Despite efforts by PEOPLE to contact both Gomez and Gascón for comments, there has been no response from either party.

In the midst of the controversy, Gascón also addressed the potential harm to her Oscar campaign during the voting period, suggesting that the false post may have been a deliberate attempt to sabotage her chances. She expressed her determination to remain in the Oscar race, asserting that she cannot withdraw her nomination as her work as an actress is what is being evaluated. Denying any criminal wrongdoing or harm caused to others, Gascón reiterated, “I am neither racist nor anything that all these people have tried to make others believe I am.” She emphasised that her dedication to creating a better world has always been a driving force in her life.

Emilia Pérez co-star Zoe Saldaña shared her thoughts on the unfolding situation during a recent Q&A event in London. The 46-year-old actress expressed sadness over the events of the past few days, stating, “I don’t support [it], and I don’t have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group.” Saldaña recounted her positive experiences working with the cast and crew of Emilia Pérez, highlighting their shared values of inclusivity and collaboration in creating the film.

Gascón’s performance in Emilia Pérez has garnered her a nomination in the Best Actress category at the upcoming Oscars, where the film is also a prominent contender with 13 total nominations. The Netflix musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, is in the running for prestigious accolades such as Best Picture and Best Director. Gascón’s resilience in the face of controversy and her unwavering commitment to her craft have underscored her determination to continue pursuing her passion for acting.

As the Oscar ceremony approaches, the spotlight remains on Gascón and her fellow nominees, including Cynthia Erivo, Mikey Madison, Demi Moore, and Fernanda Torres. The unfolding developments surrounding Gascón serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that artists navigate in the public eye. With the support of her colleagues and fans, Gascón remains focused on her artistic journey and the recognition of her work in Emilia Pérez. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.

**Analysis**

The unfolding controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón’s denial of making disparaging remarks about Selena Gomez highlights the challenges faced by artists in the age of social media scrutiny. As the Oscar-nominated actress grapples with allegations of past misconduct, her steadfast refusal to back down from the awards race underscores her commitment to her craft. Amidst the swirling debate, support from co-stars like Zoe Saldaña reflects the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity in the entertainment industry. The upcoming Oscars will undoubtedly offer a platform for Gascón to address these issues and reaffirm her dedication to her profession.