Netflix is standing behind “Emilia Pérez” despite the fog of controversy that has engulfed its principal star, Karla Sofía Gascón. Appearing Thursday on “The Town” podcast, Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria publicly addressed the scandal for the first time.

The film has renewed debates about representation and accountability as trans Americans fear for their rights.

Just how much damage has been done to the Oscar chances of “Emilia Pérez” remains to be seen. Gascón was seen as unlikely to win over best actress favorite Demi Moore (“The Substance”), but pundits believe the fallout could be wider for a movie that already had a lot of dings against it.

Netflix had thought the movie could deliver the company its first best picture award. But comments from its star have put it on the defense.

As cinephiles debate artistic merits and award season odds, transgender activists and Mexican nationals grapple with the social implications of one of the most divisive films of the year