Melissa Barrera is speaking out after being let go from the production of “Scream VII.” The actress has been one of the recent stars of the slasher franchise and was expected to be in the next installment. But that is no longer the case following previous social media posts she made about the war between Israel and Hamas that the studio behind the the film characterized as antisemitic.
Quick Read
- Melissa Barrera is no longer part of “Scream VII” following her social media posts about the Israel-Hamas conflict, which the film’s studio, Spyglass, characterized as antisemitic.
- Spyglass released a statement emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism, hate speech, and incitement of hate.
- Barrera responded on Instagram, condemning antisemitism and Islamophobia, and emphasizing her advocacy for human rights and peace.
- Her character, Sam Carpenter, featured in “Scream” (2022) and “Scream VI” (2023).
The Associated Press has the story:
Melissa Barrera speaks out after ‘Scream VII’ departure: ‘I condemn Antisemitism & Islamophobia’
Newslooks- (AP)
Melissa Barrera is speaking out after being let go from the production of “Scream VII.” The actress has been one of the recent stars of the slasher franchise and was expected to be in the next installment. But that is no longer the case following previous social media posts she made about the war between Israel and Hamas that the studio behind the the film characterized as antisemitic.
When reached Thursday, a spokesperson for Spyglass directed to the following statement about Barrerra’s departure.
“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: 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 statement reads.
On Wednesday, Barrera posted a statement on the Instagram stories portion of her account, after the news broke of her departure from the “Scream” franchise.
“First and foremost I condemn antisemitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people,” she wrote. “As a Latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need.”
She continued by writing, “Every person on this earth … deserves equal human rights, dignity and, of course, freedom. 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,” she concluded her statement. “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.”
Instagram stories expire 24 hours after posting.
Barrera starred as Sam Carpenter in both 2022’s “Scream” and this year’s “Scream VI.”
