Melissa Barrera's Bold Response to Exiting Scream VII: Embracing the Power of Speaking Out
Melissa Barrera addresses her departure from 'Scream VII' with determination: 'Silence is simply not an option' - the actress bravely speaks up after reportedly being released from the movie's production
Melissa Barrera has spoken up following her reported dismissal from the production of "Scream VII."
As one of the franchise's recent leading stars, the actress was set to appear in the next installment. However, her involvement has been terminated after the studio deemed her social media posts about the Israel-Hamas conflict as antisemitic.
Spyglass, the company responsible for the "Scream" franchise, has issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter regarding Barrerra's departure. "Spyglass' position is crystal clear: We do not tolerate antisemitism or the encouragement of hate in any form, including misleading references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that blatantly constitutes hate speech," the statement says.
CNN has reached out to representatives for both Barrera and Spyglass for additional comment.
On Wednesday, Barrera posted a statement on the Instagram stories portion of her account.
"I denounce antisemitism and Islamophobia as my first and most important statement. I denounce hatred and prejudice towards any group of people," she stated. "As a proud Mexicana Latina, I recognize that I have the privilege of using my platform to bring attention to important issues and to speak up for those who need it."
Adding, "Every individual on this planet deserves equal human rights, dignity, and freedom. I firmly believe that a group of people should not be judged by their leaders, and no governing organization should be immune to criticism."
Her statement concluded with a heartfelt prayer for an end to deaths and violence, and for peaceful co-existence. She reiterated her commitment to speaking out for those in need and advocating for peace, safety, human rights, and freedom, stating that silence was not an option for her.
Barrera starred as Sam Carpenter in both 2022s "Scream" and this years "Scream VI."
