Karla Sofia Gascón fires back at critics of 'Emilia Pérez': “Go and make your own movie”

'Emilia Pérez' star Karla Sofia Gascón responds to criticism of the Netflix film.

Karla Sofia Gascón, the star of Netflix’s award winning Emilia Pérez, is addressing the intense backlash surrounding the film, taking aim at both online critics and broader discussions of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Gascón reflected on the mixed reactions to the film, which has faced criticism from various perspectives. “The world needs real people, not robots,” she said, adding with a grin that her refusal to “play the game” has likely contributed to her growing popularity.

The film, centered on a trans woman, has sparked controversy. Gascón pointed to a “negative, nasty campaign” fueled by those uncomfortable with its themes. “They hate difference. They intend to control people’s bodies because that ends up being a way also to control their minds,” she said. 

Criticism has come from within the LGBTQ+ community as well. Critics like Juan Barquin labeled Emilia Pérez “a regressive picture masquerading as progressive,” while Drew Burnett Gregory noted it “hits just about every trans trope you can imagine.” However, others, like Out’s Mey Rude, celebrated the film for its “humor, levity, and curiosity.”

Gascón didn’t mince words about the backlash: “Being LGBTQ, having those labels, does not remove your stupidity. What bothers me is that the people saying things like that [are] just sitting at home doing nothing. If you don’t like it, go and make your own movie. Go create the representation you want to see.”

The actress defended the film’s portrayal of trans experiences, emphasizing their diversity. “The trans experience is not the same for everybody—my trans experience is different from somebody else’s.”