Actress Karla Sofia Gascon, known for her role in Emilia Perez, has come under scrutiny after her past tweets from 2020 and 2021 surfaced on social media. The first openly transgender actress faced backlash for allegedly making Islamophobic and anti-Black remarks, as well as referring to her co-star Selena Gomez as a ‘rich rat.’
Gascon Issues Public Apology
On February 1, the 52-year-old actress took to Instagram to address the controversy, posting a lengthy note titled “THEY ALREADY WON.” In the note, Gascon sought forgiveness for her past statements, insisting that her words were taken out of context. “The first thing I’d like to do is ask for the most sincere forgiveness from those who feel bad about the way I’ve expressed myself at any s2tage of my life,” she wrote.
Gascon admitted that her communication style has been flawed, stating, “Life has taught me that no matter how much my message is my message, without using the proper words, it can be misinterpreted as something else.”
Reflecting On Her Journey & Faith
In her statement, the Emilia Perez star reflected on her rise to fame and the responsibilities that come with it. Alongside her note, she shared an image of a Nichiren Buddhist symbol, reinforcing her commitment to her faith, which she credits for transforming her life. She also emphasized that she is not the same person she was a decade or two ago, writing, “Although I have not committed any crimes, I was not perfect either, and I am not even perfect now. I just try to learn and be a better person every day.”
Defending Herself Against Accusations
Gascon addressed accusations regarding her past comments on George Floyd and Muslim culture, denying any intent to spread hate. “Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a racist, nor any of the things for which I have been judged and condemned without trial,” she stated.
She further claimed that her words had been manipulated online, explaining, “They have created posts as if I were insulting my colleagues. Things I wrote to glorify were twisted as criticisms, jokes were taken as reality. Words, without their proper background, only seem like hate.”
Concluding her statement, Gascon reiterated her commitment to equality and social justice, insisting she would never support “wars, religious extremism, or the oppression of races and peoples.” She also shared words of encouragement from her mother, who told her, “I care very little whether you win anything, I just care about you being okay and that no one will harm you.”
Responding to her mother’s advice, the actress affirmed her purpose, writing, “Mother, this life has put me here to send a message of hope and love to this world, and I will do it.”
