Zoe Saldaña Breaks Silence on Karla Sofía Gascón’s Controversial Posts: “It Makes Me Really Sad”

In a recent Q&A session for the film Emilia Pérez, actress Zoe Saldaña addressed the controversy surrounding co-star Karla Sofía Gascón’s resurfaced offensive social media posts. Gascón has faced criticism for sharing content deemed racist, Islamophobic, and generally offensive.

Zoe Saldaña’s Response to the Controversy

Saldaña expressed her dismay, stating, “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.” She emphasized her personal experience during the film’s production, highlighting the inclusivity and collaboration among the cast and crew. “My experience and my interactions with them was about inclusivity and collaboration and racial, cultural, and gender equity,” she noted.

The actress acknowledged the setback caused by the controversy but remained optimistic about the film’s impact. “It saddens me that we are having to face this setback right now. But I’m happy that you’re all here and that you’re all still showing up for Emilia because the message that this film has is so powerful and the change that it can bring forward to communities that are marginalized day in and day out is important,” Saldaña remarked.

She concluded by reaffirming the team’s commitment to love, respect, and curiosity in their storytelling. “All that I can attest is that all of us that came together to tell this story, we came together for love and for respect and curiosity, and we will continue to spread that message. That’s all we can say right now. Thank you,” Saldaña concluded.

Karla Sofía Gascón’s Apology

In response to the backlash, Gascón issued a public apology, stating, “I am deeply sorry to those I have hurt with my past words. They do not reflect who I am today, and I am committed to learning and growing from this experience.” Following the apology, she deactivated her X (formerly Twitter) account to prevent further spread of the offensive content.

The Impact on Emilia Pérez

Emilia Pérez has garnered significant attention, leading the 2025 Oscars with 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nods for both Saldaña and Gascón. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, tells the story of a Mexican drug cartel leader’s transition and has been praised for its originality and sensitive handling of complex issues.

However, the resurfacing of Gascón’s past posts has cast a shadow over the film’s success. Critics argue that the controversy may impact the film’s reception and its chances during the awards season.

Industry Reactions

As the Oscars approach, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect Emilia Pérez and its cast. The situation underscores the importance of ongoing conversations about inclusivity, accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures.

The controversy has sparked a broader discussion within the film industry about accountability and the impact of past actions on current projects. Some industry insiders believe that Gascón’s apology is a step in the right direction, while others feel that more needs to be done to address the underlying issues.