Jacques Audiard, the director of Emilia Perez, has finally addressed the controversies that have overshadowed the promotion of his critically acclaimed film. While the movie has been enjoying major success during awards season, much of the conversation has been dominated by the backlash against lead actress Karla Sofia Gascon over her controversial remarks, which have offended multiple communities.
Speaking with Deadline, Audiard admitted that while he initially approached the film’s promotional campaign with enthusiasm, recent events have dampened his excitement. He emphasized that he trusts his cast and crew to navigate these challenges as a team.
“I came here full of energy, ready to celebrate the film, but instead, I’m feeling a sense of sadness,” he said during the interview. “Right now, we need to focus on clearing up any misunderstandings and ensuring that we continue to stand by and defend this film.”
Despite the controversy, Audiard made it clear that he is committed to supporting the rest of the cast, particularly Zoe Saldana, who also stars in the film alongside Selena Gomez. “I’m not alone in this. There’s Zoe—I believe in her, and I will always stand by her. I would never abandon my team, who worked on this film with so much passion and dedication. We’re in this together.”
However, when it came to Gascon’s social media activity, Audiard didn’t hold back. He expressed disappointment, suggesting that the actress has been portraying herself as a victim in the situation.
Meanwhile, Emilia Perez—starring Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, and Selena Gomez—is currently streaming on Netflix, continuing to make waves despite the ongoing controversy.
