Netflix, the distributor of 'Emilia Pérez' in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, is contemplating "reevaluating" its control mechanisms over the social media of those involved in its productions. This comes after the controversy sparked by the racist tweets from its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, as reported by Europa Press.
"In reality, it's not a common practice for people to investigate tweets in that way... Many people are reviewing that... I think it's raising questions for many people about reevaluating that process," reflected Bela Bajaria, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, on the podcast The Town with Matthew Belloni, acknowledging that, in the case of the streaming service, it was something being studied.
"I think we also have to [ask ourselves]: Are we really going to examine the personal social media of tens of thousands of people every day worldwide, [considering] the number of original films and TV shows and co-productions we make and authorize?" the executive pointed out, emphasizing the logistical challenges that the control process would entail.
Regarding the controversy surrounding Gascón and how it has affected the awards season for 'Emilia Pérez', Bajaria expressed that it's "a nuisance for the 100 incredibly talented people who made an incredible film."
"And if we look at the nominations and all the awards it has received, I think it's a shame that it has diverted attention. It has diverted attention from this incredible film by Jacques Audiard, who is an incredible director. It really is a nuisance for many people, like [co-stars] Zoe [Saldaña] and Selena [Gómez]," she expressed.
Bajaria is not the first to lament the impact of the controversy on the film; the filmmaker himself recently criticized the Spanish actress for harming the team not only with her past tweets but also with her reaction to the controversy by "playing the victim" and not taking "responsibility." On the other hand, Gómez admitted that the whole issue had made some of the magic disappear, although she still felt proud of the film, something that Netflix's Chief Content Officer also wanted to make clear.
Nevertheless, despite all the headaches the film has brought in recent weeks, the head of the streaming service says she doesn't regret having bet on 'Emilia Pérez'. "If I were asked today, with all that I know, we would still buy the film. That film is incredible, creative, and bold. That's what you want. You want to make those big hits," Bajaria affirmed, noting that it was a film that had "resonated with many people."
TENSION BETWEEN NETFLIX AND GASCÓN
Although Netflix had not officially commented on the controversy surrounding the star of 'Emilia Pérez' until now, it had taken action by sidelining the Spanish actress from promotional events and not funding her attendance at any events related to awards season. Thus, Gascón has been absent from the AFI Awards luncheon, the Critics Choice Awards, the Directors Guild Awards, the Producers Guild Awards, and the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Additionally, in the European circuit, she did not attend the Goya Awards and it seems she will also not be present at the BAFTAs.