Melissa Barrera Condemns Antisemitism and Islamophobia After Firing from “Scream VII”
Mexican actress, Melissa Barrera, faced professional consequences this week after producers fired her from “Scream VII” due to controversial social media posts she shared regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Barrera, who starred in the last two installments of the horror franchise, has been vocal in her support for the Palestinian territories, frequently sharing social media posts decrying Israel’s attacks on Gaza and sharing her thoughts on the conflict.
In a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Barrera condemned antisemitism and Islamophobia. She expressed her commitment to continue advocating for peace, safety, human rights, and freedom, stating that “Silence is not an option for me.”
Spyglass Media, the company producing “Scream VII,” announced that Barrera would not star in the film, citing zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form. Barrera’s posts had described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing.”
The franchise’s future will move forward without Barrera and her co-star Jenna Ortega, who will not be reprising her role in the franchise. Ortega’s exit was unrelated to Barrera’s firing, but the franchise will now be without the two actors credited with revitalizing it.
Similar comments on the Israel-Gaza war have caused fractures in the entertainment industry, with stars and power brokers facing professional consequences for their views. A pro-Palestinian rally in New York led to Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon being dropped by United Talent Agency after her comments. Maha Dakhil, who heads film at Hollywood agency CAA, also drew backlash after an Instagram post about witnessing genocide, resulting in her resignation from the company’s board.
In Barrera’s Instagram remarks on Wednesday, she condemned “any hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people” and emphasized the responsibility she feels to raise awareness about issues she cares about and use her platform to lend her voice to those in need. Despite the backlash, Barrera continued sharing posts from pro-Palestinian accounts after her firing.
As this story unfolds, it prompts an important discussion on the intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities for figures in the public eye.