December 9th 2024.
Selena Gomez has been making headlines recently for her role in the new Netflix film, Emilia Perez. The film follows the story of Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who is tasked with helping a Mexican cartel boss, Juan 'Manitas' Del Monte, transition to living life as a woman.
The film also stars Zoe Saldana, Edgar Ramirez, and Karla Sofia Gascon, and was directed by Jacques Audiard. However, the film has received some criticism, particularly from Mexican actor and comedian Eugenio Derbez, who called Gomez's Spanish-speaking abilities "indefensible."
In an episode of the Hablando de Cine Con podcast, Derbez expressed his disappointment in Gomez's performance, saying, "Every time she had a scene, we looked at each other and said, 'Wow, what is this?'" This sentiment was echoed by other viewers, with some even calling Gomez's accent and delivery "terrible."
After a clip of the podcast was shared on TikTok, Gomez responded in the comments, defending her performance and acknowledging the criticism. She wrote, "I understand where you're coming from. I'm sorry, I did the best I could with the time I was given. It doesn't take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie."
Gomez also addressed the criticism of her fans, saying, "Also, do not ever say my fans are the problem for standing up, as you say, for me." Despite the backlash, Gomez's performance has received praise from some, including podcast host Gaby Meza who commended Gomez's efforts and called her a "very talented actress."
Derbez has since apologized for his comments, expressing his admiration for Gomez's career and kind heart. He wrote, "Dear Selena, I truly apologize for my careless comments. They are indefensible and go against everything I stand for. As Latinos, we should always support one another."
Gomez, who speaks both Spanish and English in the film, revealed that she had to work hard to land the role, feeling like she had something to prove as a non-native Spanish speaker. She also hopes that this won't be her last project in Spanish, saying, "I may not be fluent, but that doesn't make me less proud or less Mexican in my eyes."
Despite the criticism, Emilia Perez has received positive attention, earning a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. And for Gomez, this experience has only made her want to continue pursuing projects in her second language. As she said, "I hope it's not my last project I do in Spanish. It is something that I feel I've gotten better at."
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