Netflix Examining Social Media Vetting for Talent After 'Emilia Pérez' Controversy
Netflix is exploring a reevaluation of its process for vetting social media accounts of potential hires. This follows the controversy surrounding "Emilia Pérez" star Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past racist posts resurfaced.
"We're having conversations about that," said Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria. "We have to extrapolate what it means in a practical way."
Practical difficulties in scrutinizing vast amounts of social media activity are acknowledged, but Bajaria noted that the Gascón scandal has prompted industry introspection.
"For 100 incredibly talented people who made an amazing movie... I think it's such a bummer that it's distracted from that," Bajaria lamented. "It has kind of taken the conversation in a different way."
The "Emilia Pérez" awards campaign was disrupted when Gascón's previous posts were unearthed, prompting Netflix to discontinue covering her travel expenses for awards shows.
"If you asked me today, everything that I know, we would still buy the movie today," Bajaria affirmed. "That movie is incredible, creative, and bold."
"Emilia Pérez" holds the highest number of Oscar nominations this year, including nods for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.