Netflix Reacts to ‘Emilia Pérez’ Scandal Amid Oscar Buzz

Netflix is addressing the controversy surrounding its Oscar contender Emilia Pérez after the resurfacing of star Karla Sofía Gascón’s past racist tweets. The drama, which has earned 13 Academy Award nominations, was overshadowed by this uproar. Gascón, who is the first openly trans actress to receive an Oscar nomination, has faced backlash due to offensive social media posts from her past, leading to questions regarding Netflix’s vetting process for talent.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix‘s Chief Content Officer, spoke out on the issue during an interview on The Town podcast. She expressed disappointment that the controversy has distracted from the film’s achievements, highlighting the efforts of its cast and creative team, including acclaimed director Jacques Audiard. “It’s such a bummer for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie,” Bajaria said. “This has really shifted the conversation away from what was an incredible achievement.”

The controversy stems from offensive tweets made by Gascón, which surfaced in January, where she made racially insensitive comments about Black people, immigrants, and Islam. Despite the backlash, Gascón has apologized, stating that she’s “deeply sorry” and that “light will always triumph over darkness.” She has also defended herself against accusations of racism and xenophobia, offering a detailed explanation in an interview with CNN en Español.

When asked whether Netflix would reevaluate its vetting process for talent’s social media accounts, Bajaria acknowledged that many are reconsidering their approach. However, she also pointed out the challenges of monitoring social media at a large scale, given the global scope of Netflix’s productions. “It’s not common practice to vet social media that way,” Bajaria said. “It raises a lot of questions.”

Despite the controversy, Bajaria emphasized that if given the chance, Netflix would still back the film today. “That movie is incredible and bold, and it resonates with a lot of people this year.”

Gomez, another star of Emilia Pérez, also addressed the scandal publicly at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. She reflected on the impact of the controversy, stating, “Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done.”

The scandal has sparked important conversations about social media vetting and how it can influence a person’s career in today’s interconnected world. While Netflix navigates these challenges, the focus remains on the exceptional work behind Emilia Pérez, as it continues to captivate audiences and secure its place in this year’s awards season.