Melissa Barrera's Involvement in 'Scream VII' Questioned Amidst Controversy Surrounding Palestine Support
Actress Melissa Barrera let go from 'Scream VII' following her involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict, sparking controversy
Melissa Barrera. Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for Ralph Lauren
Melissa Barrera, 33, was let go from Scream VII after posting pro-Palestine content on social media, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Her removal from the film series was due to the comments she made during the Israel-Palestine conflict.
She shared on Instagram Stories that Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp, with people being cornered together with no access to electricity or water. It is a situation that mirrors the atrocities of history, yet people continue to silently watch it happen. She describes it as genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Nearly ten years following the release of Scream 4, Spyglass Media Group acquired the rights to produce the upcoming installment. Barrera and Jenna Ortega were selected to headline the fifth movie and its follow-up films, featuring two sisters targeted by a new Ghostface because of their tie to one of the original murderers.
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Barrera previously commended directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett for their innovative approach to the next chapter of the film.
"We have the same team returning behind the scenes. In the fifth movie, there was a lot of pressure as it was the first without [late director] Wes [Craven], and they were still trying to honor him," she exclusively told We in July 2022 before filming the sixth film. "They were aiming to create something that still felt familiar but with their own distinctive touch. Now they're infusing more of their own style into it, and it just feels more terrifying."
At the time, Barrera also weighed in on Campbell’s decision not to return for Scream VI after rejecting the studio’s salary offer.
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"It's tough knowing that we're making a movie without her. But we can't dwell on that because we have to focus on making another movie," she continued. "Sidney's presence is felt. Her essence is present in the movie, you can't just overlook that. We were all devastated, but we fully understand and respect her decision. Hopefully, if we get to make another one, we can have her back."
We has reached out to Barrera’s reps and Spyglass for comment.
