At the 97th Academy Awards, held on March 3, 2025, an uncomfortable exchange between co-stars Selena Gomez and Karla Sofía Gascón drew significant attention. The tension between the “Emilia Pérez” actresses was palpable, stemming from a series of controversial events leading up to the ceremony.
Background of the Controversy
In January 2025, following Gascón’s nomination for Best Actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” past social media posts from 2019 to 2021 resurfaced, revealing offensive remarks targeting various communities. Among these was an alleged tweet referring to Gomez as a “rich rat.” Gascón denied authoring this particular tweet, claiming it was fabricated, but she acknowledged and apologized for other offensive posts.
The backlash was swift and severe. Gascón deleted the contentious tweets and deactivated her Twitter account. In a subsequent interview with CNN en Español, she distanced herself from the remarks, stating she did not “recognize” many of them. Despite her apologies, the damage to her reputation was significant.
Impact on “Emilia Pérez” and Its Cast
The controversy cast a shadow over the promotional activities for “Emilia Pérez.” Netflix, the film’s distributor, undertook damage control measures, excluding Gascón from promotional materials to protect the film’s standing during the awards season. Director Jacques Audiard publicly disavowed Gascón’s comments, emphasizing that her views did not represent the film or its team.
Selena Gomez, who played a pivotal role in the film, expressed her dismay over the situation. In an interview with PEOPLE, she remarked, “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just grateful.”
The Oscars Encounter
Gascón attended the Oscars but notably skipped the red carpet, possibly to avoid media scrutiny. During the ceremony, she approached Gomez, who was seated with her fiancé, Benny Blanco. Observers noted the interaction was brief and strained, with Gomez maintaining a composed demeanor. The exchange quickly went viral, with social media users commenting on the palpable tension between the two actresses.
Industry and Public Reaction
The incident sparked widespread discussion within the entertainment industry and among fans. Many criticized Gascón for her past remarks, questioning the sincerity of her apologies. Others debated the efficacy of “cancel culture” and the potential for personal growth and redemption. The situation also highlighted the challenges faced by film productions when individual actions of cast members overshadow collective achievements.
Moving Forward
While “Emilia Pérez” received critical acclaim and secured two Oscars, the controversy surrounding Gascón undeniably affected the film’s legacy. Both Gomez and Gascón have remained relatively private about their personal feelings regarding the incident. The episode serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of public statements and the importance of accountability in the digital age.
As the industry continues to grapple with issues of diversity, inclusion, and personal responsibility, the events at the 2025 Oscars underscore the complexities inherent in navigating public relations amidst controversy.
