Melissa Barrera, the actor fired from the Scream franchise over social media posts about Palestine, has spoken out regarding her firing.
The 33-year-old actor was dropped by Spyglass entertainment following posts she made regarding the ongoing conflict in Palestine – where she questioned why her feed was filled with the Israeli perspective on violence in Gaza.
Barrera had starred in the 2022 reboot of Scream, as well as 2023’s Scream VI, and was expected to return for Scream VII to round out her trilogy.
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The Scream star had posted regularly about the conflict, including a post that accused Israel of ‘genocide and ethnic cleansing’.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter (THR), she spoke in detail for the first time since her firing – having previously only commented via Instagram on the incident.
She said of the fallout following the incident: “None of this makes me happy.
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“It was just all sad because I really, deeply care about the franchise. It’s just bad that it had to happen like that.”
Barrera’s firing came after Spyglass accused the actor of 'anti-semitism' over her posts. In a statement to Variety, the studio said: “We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech."
The actor responded on Instagram, saying: "First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.
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"I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism.
"I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence.
"I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom.
"Silence is not an option for me."
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Jenna Ortega, who starred in both of the recent Scream reboots to critical acclaim, has also exited Scream VII.
Whilst Deadline reports that this is unrelated to Barrera’s exit, and is linked to last year’s strikes, Barrera spoke positively of their relationship, stating Ortega had supported her throughout.
Barrera said of Ortega: “We chatted for a while, and I love her so much. She’s been very supportive of me, and we’re sisters for life.”
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Scream VII director, Christopher Landon, also left the project soon after both actors exited.
Following the exit of Ortega and Barrera, it was announced that the original Scream star Neve Campbell – who was in Scream VI but was not expected to return for Scream VII – would be returning.
This was viewed online by supporters of Barrera as a betrayal by Campbell, however, THR reported: “When asked if she and Campbell had spoken about her return, Barrera pauses before declining to answer.”
Campbell’s representatives did not respond to THR’s request for comment.
Topics: Film and TV, Jenna Ortega, US News, World News, Celebrity
Michael Slavin