Selena Gomez Claps Back at Criticism of Her Spanish in ‘Emilia Pérez’ Role

Selena Gomez is no stranger to media scrutiny, but recently, she found herself defending her Spanish-language skills after actor and producer Eugenio Derbez publicly criticized her performance in the bilingual film Emilia Pérez. The film, directed by Jacques Audiard, has garnered attention for its unique narrative and diverse cast. However, Gomez’s portrayal, in which she speaks Spanish, became a focal point for criticism from Derbez, who questioned the authenticity and depth of her acting due to her limited fluency in the language.

The Criticism from Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez’s comments, which were made during an appearance on the Hablando de Cine podcast, sparked a heated debate. Derbez, who is a prominent figure in Latin American cinema, expressed disappointment over Gomez’s performance, particularly her struggles with Spanish. He noted that her acting seemed “indefensible” to him, claiming that it lacked the necessary emotional depth because Gomez, who is not a native Spanish speaker, couldn’t fully grasp the nuances of the language. Derbez further implied that audiences who did not speak Spanish may not have recognized the shortcomings of Gomez’s performance, raising questions about whether non-Spanish-speaking viewers would perceive the issue.

During the podcast, Derbez suggested that Gomez’s limited proficiency in Spanish made her portrayal less convincing, a concern that was echoed by podcast host Gaby Meza. Meza added that since Spanish was neither Gomez’s primary nor secondary language, it affected her ability to give the character depth and meaning, as the actor might not fully understand what she was saying. This commentary painted a picture of Gomez as someone ill-equipped to take on a role that required speaking Spanish fluently, thus casting doubt on her performance in the film.

Selena Gomez’s Response

Gomez, who had not directly addressed the criticism until now, was quick to respond after seeing a clip of Derbez’s remarks circulating on social media. In a comment on TikTok, Gomez acknowledged Derbez’s concerns but also defended herself, explaining that she had done the best she could with the time and resources she had available. Gomez expressed understanding of Derbez’s position but emphasized that she put significant effort and heart into her role, despite the language barrier. She further clarified that her fans were not at fault for supporting her, responding to Derbez’s implication that her supporters were the ones causing controversy.

Her response resonated with many, particularly her fans, who rallied behind her to defend her dedication and the work she had put into the role. Gomez’s decision to address the situation in such a direct and calm manner also showcased her growth as an artist, as she has long been open about her personal and professional struggles, including her challenges with language and identity.

The Challenges of Performance in a Non-Native Language

For Gomez, taking on a role in Emilia Pérez where she speaks Spanish is significant for several reasons. Although she is of Mexican heritage and grew up hearing the language at home, Spanish was never her first language. Like many children of immigrant families, Gomez’s connection to the language was through family rather than formal education. She has mentioned in interviews that she is not fluent in Spanish, which presented a real challenge when preparing for this role. To bridge the gap, Gomez took six months of Spanish lessons to prepare for the film, but the challenge of regaining fluency after years of minimal use was considerable.

Gomez’s dedication to her role was evident in her decision to step outside of her comfort zone. Acting in a language that isn’t fully natural can be difficult, as it requires more than just memorization of lines; it demands a deeper understanding of cultural context and emotional expression that may not always come through if the language is not mastered. This was precisely the concern that Derbez and Meza raised: that Gomez’s lack of fluency made her portrayal unconvincing and uncomfortable for viewers, especially Spanish-speaking audiences who might have felt that her performance was lacking in authenticity.

The Broader Conversation About Language in Hollywood

The controversy surrounding Gomez’s performance raises important questions about language, culture, and representation in Hollywood. While the film industry has made strides in recent years toward greater diversity and inclusion, language barriers continue to be a source of tension. Non-native actors taking on roles that require them to speak a language they are not fluent in face significant challenges. However, this issue often goes unnoticed when actors speak in their native tongue or take on roles in their primary language.

In Gomez’s case, the criticism has sparked a broader conversation about the expectations placed on actors who are asked to perform in languages outside of their comfort zones. While it is undoubtedly important for roles to be authentic and culturally accurate, there is also a recognition that language fluency shouldn’t be the sole determinant of an actor’s ability to connect with an audience. Gomez’s decision to take on this role and tackle a language barrier was a risk, but it also demonstrated her commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new opportunities.

The Apology from Eugenio Derbez

After receiving backlash for his comments, Derbez issued an apology. In a message posted on social media, he admitted that his comments were “careless” and “indefensible,” acknowledging that they went against the values of unity and support that he believes should define the Latinx community. Derbez also expressed his admiration for Gomez’s career, her heart, and her impact on her fans. This apology reflects a recognition of the sensitivity surrounding such criticisms and a desire to move past the public disagreement.