Selena Gomez remains “proud” of the Netflix film Emilia Pérez despite the controversies that have emerged since its release.
In Emilia Pérez, Gomez portrays Jessi Del Monte, in a Spanish-language film directed by Jacques Audiard. The film has garnered significant attention, receiving 13 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña.
The film has faced criticism regarding its portrayal of transgender issues and the Mexican community. Additionally, controversial tweets from Gascón resurfaced, bringing scrutiny for her past remarks on sensitive topics. Following this backlash, Gascón publicly apologized and deleted her social media account, leading to Netflix distancing itself from her and halting financial support for her awards campaign.
Among the controversial tweets was one that seemed to target Gomez, referring to her as a “rich rat.” Gascón maintained in a statement to the media that she did not author the tweet and expressed that she would never speak negatively about her co-star.
Selena Gomez’s Comments on Emilia Pérez
During her appearance at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, Gomez expressed mixed feelings, stating that “some of the magic has disappeared” regarding her experience with Emilia Pérez.
Nonetheless, she emphasized, “I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done and I’m just grateful. I live with no regrets, and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.” She shared her appreciation for the opportunity to showcase her talents, highlighting the trust the director placed in her, and expressed hope that this film marks the beginning of her journey in more diverse roles.