Melissa Barrera Issues First Comments Since Scream 7 Firing

Melissa Barrera has issued her first public comments since being fired from Scream 7 for social media posts about the Hamas-Israeli conflict. As reported, Barrera was dropped from the seventh film for comments she made that were allegedly perceived by Spyglass Media as antisemitic amidst posts she had made supporting Palestine. Barrera posted to her Instagram stories on Wednesday night to issue her first statement, writing:

“First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people

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.

Every person on this earth- regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status- 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.

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.“

You can see the full Instagram story below, as shared by the fan account @TheScreamSeries.

As noted, Jenna Ortega is also not set to return to the franchise for the seventh film. The two played the leads in Scream and Scream VI in sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter. Ortega’s exit is alleged by some close to the production as having been discussed before the writer’s strike and due to her commitments to Wednesday and is unrelated to Barrera’s firing. Ortega has yet to comment on her exit. Spyglass is said to be working to retool the film and are hoping to get Neve Campbell and possibly Patrick Dempsey back for the film.

Melissa Barrera has released an official statement regarding her termination: pic.twitter.com/Vo3LggNtxU

— SCREAM (@TheScreamSeries) November 23, 2023