US
Melissa Barrera: Actress fired from Scream 7 over Israel-Gaza posts
Actress Melissa Barrera has been dropped from the upcoming new Scream movie after reportedly sharing social media posts which criticised Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza.
The Mexican star was in the cast for Scream 7 but has now been fired by the production company Spyglass, according to Variety magazine.
A spokesperson for Spyglass said the posts were viewed as antisemitic.
They told Variety: “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.”
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The actress has posted regularly on Instagram about the conflict, and the magazine reported she shared a post that accused Israel of “genocide and ethnic cleansing”.
Barrera posted a statement on Instagram Stories about her firing, writing: “First and foremost I condemn antisemitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.
“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.”
The 33-year-old has starred in the two most recent films in the hit murder mystery and slasher franchise – Scream – released in 2022 – and Scream VI, which came out earlier this year. She played Sam Carpenter in both movies.
Devyn Nekoda, Liana Liberato, Barrera, Jenna Ortega and Courteney Cox (L-R) at the world premiere of Scream VI in New York in March this year
Scream 7 is due to be directed by Christopher Landon who reportedly commented on Barrera’s exit in a post on X that has since been deleted.
According to Variety, he wrote: “Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.”
It is not known when the new movie will be released.
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Meanwhile, Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, 77, has also been dropped by a Hollywood company over comments about the Israel-Hamas war.
Sarandon, a political activist known for her left-wing views, was dropped by the United Talent Agency after she made remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York on 17 November, according to a spokesperson for the firm.
Susan Sarandon at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York on 17 November. Pic: AP
She was criticised after she said at the event that people who are “afraid of being Jewish at this time” are “getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim in this country, so often subjected to violence”.
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The US star has been nominated for Oscars five times and won the best actress award in 1996 for her performance in Dead Man Walking.
She is also known for her roles in Thelma & Louise, The Client and Bull Durham.