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Key Points

Selena Gomez is standing by her performance in 'Emilia Perez' despite criticism over her Spanish fluency. She credits director Jacques Audiard for making the experience rewarding. Gomez acknowledges the backlash but emphasizes her dedication to the role. Moving forward, she’s focused on selecting projects that push her creatively.

Key Points: Selena Gomez Defends Spanish in Emilia Perez Amid Derbez Backlash

  • Gomez addresses backlash over Spanish fluency in 'Emilia Perez'
  • Defends performance despite Eugenio Derbez's critique
  • Calls working with Jacques Audiard a career highlight
  • Plans to take time choosing next challenging role
2 min read

I pushed myself into uncomfortable spaces: Selena Gomez responds to backlash over Spanish fluency in 'Emilia Perez'

Selena Gomez responds to criticism of her Spanish in 'Emilia Perez' while celebrating her bicultural role and collaboration with director Jacques Audiard.

"I pushed myself into uncomfortable spaces, which as an actress are the most rewarding. – Selena Gomez"

Washington, April 25

Selena Gomez is rising above the criticism surrounding her Spanish language skills in the film 'Emilia Perez'.

Despite facing backlash and debate over her Mexican American heritage, the actress is focusing on celebrating her work and the experience of playing a bicultural character.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Gomez shared her thoughts on the film and the criticism she faced.

"I pushed myself into uncomfortable spaces, which as an actress are the most rewarding," she said, adding, "It was a magical time and working with [director] Jacques Audiard was one of my best experiences."

Gomez faced harsh criticism for her Spanish speaking and dialect, including from Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez, who called her performance "indefensible."

However, Gomez defended herself, and said, "I understand where you are coming from. I'm sorry I did the best I could with the time I was given. Doesn't take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie," as quoted by E! News.

Despite the controversy surrounding the film, Gomez remains proud of her work and is grateful for the experience.

"I'm really good," she said during a Q&A at the 2025 Santa Barbara Film Festival, as quoted by E! News.

"Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I've done, and I'm just, I'm just grateful and live with no regrets," she added.

Gomez is taking her time to find her next role, looking for a challenge and an opportunity to work with the right director.

"I am taking my time to find the right role and director to work with next," she said, adding, "Because I want it to be a challenge and unexpected."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

M
Maria K.
As a bilingual speaker, I think people are being too harsh on Selena. Learning and maintaining multiple languages is HARD. She's clearly putting in the effort and should be applauded for stepping outside her comfort zone! 💪
J
James T.
I saw the film and honestly didn't notice any issues with her Spanish. The criticism feels overblown - the performance was solid and the story was engaging. That's what matters most!
A
Alejandro R.
While I admire Selena's effort, I do think the criticism about her accent is valid. As a native Spanish speaker, it did take me out of the movie at times. But her emotional performance was still strong.
S
Sophie L.
The way she's handling this with such grace is inspiring! We should celebrate artists who take risks, not tear them down. Can't wait to see what she does next! ✨
D
Daniel P.
This whole debate misses the point - the director clearly wanted her for the role, accent and all. Films are artistic expressions, not language exams. Let's judge the complete performance.

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