Melissa Barrera, the actress of the Scream franchise, has addressed her firing from Scream VII in public after tweeting posts that the movie’s production company claims were seen as antisemitic. The performer declared that while she would “continue to speak out” on the Israel-Hamas conflict, she would also denounce Islamophobia and antisemitism.
Barrera has been vocal in her support of Palestine on social media, calling Israel “genocide” and “brutally killing innocent Palestinians, mothers and children, under the pretence of destroying Hamas.” Barrera starred in the fifth and sixth Scream movies and was scheduled to star in the upcoming seventh installment.
“Only the Israeli side is shown by Western media. We don’t need more hate,” she stated in her post from October 22. “I will let you figure out why they do that for themselves.” Absolutely no Islamophobia. Not a single antisemitic statement
Production company Spyglass Media confirmed to Variety that Barrera’s social media remarks that were perceived as antisemitic were the reason behind her dismissal from Scream VII on Tuesday.
“Anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust denial, or antisemitism in its entirety, is unacceptable to us,” a Spyglass representative told Variety. It is unclear to The Guardian which posts Spyglass was referring to.
Scream VII director Christopher Landon stated, “This is my statement: Everything sucks,” in a since-deleted post on X on Tuesday. Put an end to your shouting. I did not make the decision to do this.
Barrera posted a statement on Instagram stories on Wednesday. “I detest Islamophobia and antisemitism beyond everything else. Any form of hatred or discrimination towards any group of people is condemned by me.
“I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need because I feel it is my responsibility as a Latina, a proud Mexicana, to have a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard,” she went on.
“Everyone on this planet is entitled to the same freedoms, dignity, and human rights. I think that no governing body should be immune to criticism and that a collection of individuals is not their leadership.
“I pray all day and all night for a peaceful coexistence, an end to violence, and no more deaths.” I’ll keep speaking up for those who are most in need and fighting for freedom, human rights, and peace and safety. I refuse to live in silence.
Barrera’s co-star Jenna Ortega apparently walked out of Scream VII on Wednesday owing to a scheduling clash with the second season of the Netflix series Wednesday, which further complicated the already chaotic situation. In the first two Scream movies, Ortega and Barrera played sisters Tara and Sam Carpenter.
Barrera is the most recent celebrity to face criticism for remarks and deeds related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York City, USA on November 17, 2023, is Susan Sarandon.Required Credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock photo (14219143c) On November 17, 2023, in New York City, Susan Sarandon speaks during a pro-Palestinian protest and march in Union Square. Speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York City, USA on November 17, 2023, is Susan Sarandon.
Susan Sarandon was fired on Tuesday by the Hollywood talent agency UTA for her remarks at a march in favor of Palestine. “There are a lot of people afraid to be Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country,” the Oscar-winning actor said, drawing criticism.
And last month, following criticism to her shared Instagram photos that included the line, “What’s more heartbreaking than witnessing genocide?,” Maha Dakhil, the co-head of film at Hollywood agency CAA, resigned from the agency’s board. observing the denial that any genocide is taking place. After that, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin declared he was leaving CAA, claiming that “Maha isn’t antisemitic; she’s just wrong.”
Later, Dakhil apologized in public. “I made a mistake by reposting something on Instagram that contained offensive language,” the woman stated. “I apologize for causing you pain.”
