“Emilia Pérez” is a musical about a Mexican kingpin who fakes his own death in order to transition into a woman. The film won 4 Golden Globes and is nominated for 13 Oscars. However, social media might jeopardize those chances.

The backlash comes from Karla Sofia Gascón,  the first openly transgender woman to be nominated for the award for ‘Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.’

On social media, deleted posts on X (Twitter), ranging from 2016-2020, have resurfaced in which Gascón made comments relating to drug use and racist language.  Gascón deactivated her account on X after these posts were found.

In January, Gascón issued a statement via Netflix apologizing for her actions. Controversy has continued to follow the star that could affect the film’s overall performance as the 97th Oscars approach on March 2.

On February 5, Deadline published an interview with director Jacques Audiard claiming Gascón’s posts were “inexcusable.”

Hours after the video was released, Gascón responded with the following on Instagram: “Following Jacques interview… I decided, for the the film, for Jacques, for the cast, for the incredible crew who deserves it, for the beautiful adventure we all had together, to let the work talk for itself, hoping my silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is, a beautiful ode to love and difference.  I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way.”

In an interview with Variety’s “Award Circuit” podcast, co-star, Zoe Saldaña expressed her sadness over the controversy that is overshadowing film’s achievements: “I’m sad. Time and time again, that’s the word because that is the sentiment that has been living in my chest since everything happened.” Saldaña said, “I’m also disappointed. I can’t speak for other people’s actions. All I can attest to is my experience, and never in a million years did I ever believe that we would be here.”  Saldaña later added “but we are individuals who are responsible for everything that we say and everything that we do.”

Selena Gomez stars in the film, and on February 9, she finally broke her silence adding, “I’m really good, some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done, and I’m just, I’m just grateful and live with no regrets.  And I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”

On February 16, the BAFTAs (British Academy Film Awards) were held and the majority of the cast was in attendance; however, Gascón was not present. Jacques Audiard throws an olive branch by mentioning her in an acceptance speech for Best Film Not in the English Language.

It is unclear what will happen to Gascón’s Oscars nominations. In the end, the cast and crew can walk away with their awards or leave empty handed.