Zoe Saldana, star of Emilia Prez, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding her co-star Karla Sofa Gascn during a recent Q&A session in London, calling the situation really sad. The fallout from Gascns past racist, Islamophobic, and anti-LGBTQ+ social media posts has dominated headlines, prompting Saldana to reflect on the issue publicly for the first time.Saldana, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Prez, was attending a promotional event for the film, alongside director Jacques Audiard. The conversation shifted to Gascns controversial social media posts when Saldana was asked about the situation. While she did not directly mention Gascn by name, her comments offered insight into her feelings about the controversy.Im still processing everything that has transpired in the last couple of days, and Im sad, Saldana said. It makes me really sad because I dont support and I dont have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric towards people of any group.January 15, 2025, Mexico City, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico: Actress Karla Sofa Gascon attends the red carpet for Emilia Perez film Premiere at Cinepolis Plaza Carso. on January 15, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Photo: Ismael Rosas/eyepix via ZUMA Press WireThe Avatar star continued to emphasize that her personal experience working with the Emilia Prez cast was centered on inclusivity, collaboration, and respect. I can only attest to the experience that I had with each and every individual that was a part of this film, and my experience and my interactions with them were about inclusivity and collaboration and racial, cultural, and gender equity, Saldana explained. It just saddens me.Saldana expressed her gratitude toward those continuing to support the film, despite the public distraction. It saddens me that we are having to face this setback right now, she added. But Im happy that youre all here and that youre still showing up for Emilia Prez because the message that this film has is so powerful. The change that it can bring forward to communities that are marginalized day in and day out is important.She concluded her statement by reaffirming the films core message of love, respect, and unity. All that I can attest is that all of us that came together to tell this story, we came together for love and for respect and curiosity, and we will continue to spread that message. Thats all we can say right now. Thank you.The remarks come in the wake of a firestorm sparked by Gascns previous social media posts. The actress, who recently made history as the first openly trans woman nominated for an Oscar, has faced severe backlash after controversial tweets from 2021 resurfaced earlier this week. The posts included derogatory comments about Islam, LGBTQ+ communities, and Black Lives Matter, causing widespread outrage among fans, activists, and colleagues alike.In one of the resurfaced posts, Gascn criticized the Oscars diversity efforts, writing, More and more the #Oscars are looking like a ceremony for independent and protest films. I didnt know if I was watching an Afro-Korean festival, a Black Lives Matter demonstration, or the 8M. Apart from that, an ugly, ugly gala.Karla Sofa Gascn at the Golden Globes. Photo: CBSAnother post sparked anger when Gascn commented on George Floyds death, calling him a drug addict swindler and undermining the significance of his death in the fight for racial justice. I really think that very few people ever cared about George Floyd, a drug addict swindler, but his death has served to once again demonstrate that there are people who still consider Black people to be monkeys without rights, she wrote.The controversy expanded when Gascns past comments about LGBTQ+ individuals and Muslims were uncovered. In one tweet, she used offensive language to refer to LGBTQ+ people and expressed disdain for their political discourse. In another, she suggested that Islam should be banned, making derogatory remarks about the Muslim community.As the fallout grew, Gascn deleted her X (formerly Twitter) account and issued a public apology. I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain, she wrote. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.While Gascns apology has been met with some attempts at reconciliation, the controversy has cast a shadow over her Oscar campaign and the film Emilia Prez. Despite the public scrutiny, the films message of inclusivity and social change remains central to the ongoing promotion of the project.Saldanas comments reflect the complex situation facing Emilia Prez and its cast, as they balance their commitment to the films values with the need to address the fallout from Gascns past actions. With the Oscars approaching, the controversy is unlikely to fade quickly, leaving many to wonder how the situation will evolve in the coming weeks.As the story continues to develop, the films campaign team remains focused on spreading the positive message of Emilia Prez and supporting the films underlying themes of unity and progress for marginalized communities.The post Zoe Saldana Responds to Karla Sofa Gascn Controversy During Emilia Prez Campaign: It Makes Me Really Sad appeared first on Gayety.