Selena Gomez finally breaks her silence on the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez co-star Karla Sofia Gascon. Speaking at Santa Barbara Film Festival, the star got candid about her feelings about the media firestorm, which ignited after Gascon’s past derogatory comments resurfaced online.
“Some of the magic has disappeared,” admitted Gomez about the controversy. “But 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 added that, despite it all, she still has fond memories making the film.
“Just having someone see something in me besides the obvious was such a special experience,” the 32-year-old said. “The director [Jacques Audiard] just really trusted me, and I was so grateful because I’ve gotten to show people that I am capable of doing more. I hope this is just the beginning for me in this field.”
The “Only Murder in the Building” actress was at the film festival as the recipient of the Virtuosos Award. It was one of the string of events on the run up to the 2025 Academy Awards, for which Emilia Pérez is a contender for 13 awards. Gomez did not receive a nomination for her supporting turn, but she’s been front and center in the campaign as the most recognizable star in the cast. With lead star Gascon’s reputation obliterated due to the scandal, the weight of the campaign now shifts completely to Gomez and fellow co-star Zoe Saldana.