Melissa Barrera reportedly dismissed from ‘Scream 7’ following remarks on Israel-Palestine situation

 

Melissa Barrera has reportedly been dismissed from her role in Scream VII following controversy surrounding her Instagram posts on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The 33-year-old Mexican actress, who joined the iconic slasher franchise in 2022 and played prominent roles in its fifth and sixth films alongside Jenna Ortega, faced the axe on Tuesday (21 November). Sources confirmed to both Deadline and Variety that Barrera was let go from Spyglass Media’s upcoming sequel due to posts perceived as anti-Semitic.

In a social media post, the In the Heights breakout expressed her views on the situation in Gaza, stating, “Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp. Cornering everyone together, with nowhere to go, no electricity, no water… People have learnt nothing from our histories. And just like our histories, people are still silently watching it all happen. THIS IS GENOCIDE & ETHNIC CLEANSING.”

Variety’s source indicated that Barrera’s dismissal was specifically linked to a post that “floated an antisemitic trope that Jews control the media.” In an Instagram Story, she wrote, “Western media only shows the [Israeli] side. Why do they do that, I will let you deduce for yourself.”

When approached for comment, a spokesperson from Spyglass directed The Independent to its statement in Variety, asserting, “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.”

Almost all of Melissa Barrera’s IG Stories about Palestine: A thread. pic.twitter.com/DjrbJWt6RQ

— Sam Carpenter TGS stands w/ Melissa Barrera (@OoXLR8oO) October 22, 2023

In a recent post, Barrera expressed, “As we all awaken to the unfolding events in Gaza and discern the reality of the situation, it’s crucial to recognise that, just as not all Palestinians are affiliated with Hamas, not all Jewish individuals represent the Israeli Government.

“Let’s refrain from assigning blame or harbouring animosity towards an entire group based on the actions of a few,” added the actor. “I stand in solidarity with all those affected by the conflict, and I extend my prayers for freedom and peace for them and their families.”

While official casting details were yet to be disclosed, it was widely anticipated that Barrera would reprise her role as Sam Carpenter, the elder sister of Tara Carpenter (portrayed by Ortega), in Scream 7.

This development coincides with reports indicating that Susan Sarandon has been dropped by her talent agency UTA due to comments she made during a pro-Palestine rally in New York City on 17 November.

The 77-year-old Thelma and Louise actor reportedly remarked, “There are many individuals who are fearful, experiencing what it’s like to be Jewish in these times, and gaining insight into the frequent violence suffered by Muslims in this country.”