Critics Slam Selena Gomez’s “La Vaginoplastia” for Its Offensive Representation of Gender Surgery in Emilia Pérez, Following the Film’s Golden Globe Success

Selena Gomez’s latest project, Emilia Pérez, has made waves for both its critical acclaim and controversy.

One particular song from the film, “La Vaginoplastia,” has drawn sharp criticism online, with many describing it as an offensive, overly simplistic portrayal of gender-affirming surgery.

The song features Zoe Saldana’s character, Rita Mora Castro, as she discusses the process with doctors for her client, Juan ‘Manitas’ Del Monte, a cartel boss seeking to transition into a woman.

The lyrics and presentation of the song have caused a stir, with some accusing it of reducing a serious subject to a farcical, shallow spectacle.

Criticism and Public Reaction

The song’s lyrics include a conversation between Rita and a doctor, where they discuss the surgery in blunt terms, including the infamous line “From penis to vagina.”

The rest of the song continues in a chaotic, repetitive chant of medical terms, accompanied by dancing hospital patients.

Following the film’s success at the Golden Globes, where it won multiple awards, including Best Picture, social media exploded with reactions condemning the portrayal.

Some critics argued that the song trivialized gender-affirming surgery, with one comment stating, “As a trans woman, this song is my thirteenth reason why.”

Many viewers also felt the song was “tasteless” and “ridiculously simplistic,” with others expressing disbelief that the film was awarded over projects they felt deserved more attention.

The film, which became a standout at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, had already gained attention for its complex narrative, but this particular moment in the film seemed to overshadow its accolades, drawing negative responses across platforms.

The Film’s Plot and Themes

Despite the backlash, Emilia Pérez has garnered significant praise for its overall narrative and its handling of complex themes like family, ambition, corruption, and the possibility of change.

Set in Mexico City, the film follows the transformation of Manitas (played by Karla Sofía Gascón), a cartel kingpin who enlists Rita, a lawyer, to help him disappear and undergo a gender transition.

The film explores the consequences of his actions and the relationships surrounding his transformation, particularly with Emilia Pérez, a woman who has also undergone a major life change.

One of the film’s major messages centers around sisterhood, with director Audiard expressing in his Golden Globes acceptance speech that he made the film to highlight the power of women supporting each other.

Although praised by Hollywood stars like Meryl Streep, the film also faced sharp criticism, especially regarding the depiction of its trans character, Emilia.

Critics have called out the film for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about transgender people, with some accusing it of relying too heavily on superficial portrayals and transphobic tropes.

Controversies and Criticisms from the Cast

Adding to the controversy, Selena Gomez, who plays Jessi, Manitas’ wife, faced backlash for her Spanish accent in the film.

The actress addressed criticism from Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez, who questioned her accent as “indefensible.”

In response, Gomez expressed her understanding of the feedback, apologizing for not meeting expectations but standing by the effort she put into the role.

On the other hand, the film has provided a platform for lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who has received praise for her performance.

Gascón, who transitioned in 2018, spoke powerfully during the Golden Globes, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s identity in the face of adversity.

A Mixed Reception and What’s Next for Emilia Pérez

As the film continues to gain attention, its reception remains divided.

While some viewers appreciate its bold exploration of taboo topics and its musical elements, others argue that it misses the mark in terms of representing trans issues.

Critics have taken to social media to voice their concerns, calling the film’s portrayal of gender-affirming surgery and other aspects of the narrative misguided or offensive.

Despite the polarized reactions, Emilia Pérez remains a significant cultural moment, blending comedy, tragedy, and opera-like musical numbers.

Whether or not the film will continue to receive critical acclaim or face further backlash is yet to be seen, but it certainly has made an impact.

As the movie continues to roll out, its portrayal of gender and transformation will likely remain a point of contention in the broader discussion of queer cinema.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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