Academy CEO Urges Respect for Karla Sofía Gascón Amid Hate Speech Controversy

Karla Sofía Gascón, the first transgender woman nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her role in 'Emilia Pérez', faced backlash following the resurfacing of offensive tweets disparaging Islam and George Floyd. In response to the controversy, Academy CEO Bill Kramer emphasized that while Gascón's nomination is historic, the Academy does not condone hate speech and urged attendees to show respect if she attends the Oscars. Gascón issued an apology acknowledging the hurt caused by her past statements but maintained that she has not committed any crime and does not consider herself racist. Despite her attempts to navigate the scandal, she has withdrawn from smaller award ceremonies leading up to the Oscars. As the ceremony approaches, the focus remains on Gascón's controversial tweets and the Academy's stance on inclusivity and respect for all nominees. The event is set to highlight not only Gascón's nomination but also the broader celebration of diverse talent in film.