Actor calls Selena Gomez's performance indefensible

In a recent incident, Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez found himself in the spotlight after making negative remarks about Selena Gomez's performance in the film Emilia Perez, which was released on Netflix. The film tells the story of Karla Sofía Gascón, a Mexican drug cartel leader undergoing gender affirmation surgery, with Gomez portraying her partner. Derbez’s comments were made during his appearance on the Hablando de Cine podcast, where he described watching the film with frustration and labeled Gomez’s performance as 'indefensible'. His remarks quickly gained traction on social media, leading to a significant backlash and support for Gomez from her fans and other celebrities, including singer Belinda Peregrín Schüll. Following the virality of the initial clip, Gomez expressed her understanding of Derbez's viewpoint while defending the hard work she put into the character. She emphasized the importance of her fans, stating that they were not the problem for standing up for her. Subsequently, Derbez took to Instagram to formally apologize, acknowledging that his comments were thoughtless and entirely against what he stands for as a Latino. In his apology, he expressed admiration for Gomez's career and highlighted the significance of supporting one another within the Latino community. He recognized the need for accountability and admitted an important lesson learned from the entire episode. Derbez's comments reflect a broader conversation on the responsibilities of public figures when critiquing fellow artists, especially when cultural communities are involved. The situation also sheds light on the challenges and scrutiny faced by female actors in the industry, often judging their performances through a more critical lens compared to their male counterparts. Overall, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for constructive criticism rather than careless judgments, particularly in the creative arts.