Trans Actress Karla Sofía Gascón Faces Backlash Over Controversial Social Media Posts

MADRID, Spain — Karla Sofía Gascón, the first transgender actress nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film ‘Emilia Pérez,’ is facing widespread criticism after a series of controversial social media posts resurfaced. The posts, made between 2017 and 2021 on the platform X (formerly Twitter), include inflammatory remarks about Islam, immigration, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

The backlash began after users unearthed a 2021 post in which Gascón wrote, ‘How many more times will history have to expel the Moors from Spain… We still haven’t realized the threat of civilizations that constantly attack individual freedom and coherence. This isn’t about racism; it’s about Islam.’ Other posts from 2017 and 2019 criticized Muslim immigrants and linked Islam to human rights violations, with one stating, ‘Islam is rapidly becoming a focus of infection for humanity that needs urgent curing.’

In another post from 2020, Gascón reacted to the removal of a Christopher Columbus statue in Chicago, calling those who supported the removal ‘ignorant of history’ and blaming Columbus for their existence. She also made disparaging comments about George Floyd, referring to him as a ‘drug-addicted scammer,’ and criticized the 2021 Oscars for resembling a ‘Black Lives Matter rally.’

The resurfaced posts have sparked outrage among fans and critics alike, with many calling for accountability. ‘To act in a racist film, you also need to be a racist,’ one user commented on X. Others highlighted that Gascón’s views appeared to be a ‘long-held stance,’ citing multiple posts over the years.

The controversy comes amid Gascón’s recent clash with the team behind the Brazilian film ‘I’m Still Here,’ which is competing against ‘Emilia Pérez’ in several Oscar categories. Gascón’s comments about the film reportedly violated the Academy’s regulations, leading to speculation about potential sanctions or even the revocation of her nomination.

In a statement to Variety, Gascón clarified that her recent remarks were aimed at online toxicity and denied any personal animosity toward her colleagues. However, neither Netflix, the distributor of ‘Emilia Pérez,’ nor the Academy has commented on the controversy.

As the Oscars approach, the backlash threatens to overshadow Gascón’s historic nomination and the critical acclaim for ‘Emilia Pérez.’ The film, which explores themes of identity and transformation, has already faced criticism from some Mexican and Latin American audiences for its portrayal of cultural issues.