Melissa Barrera, renowned for her roles in Scream and Scream VI, has been ousted from the upcoming Scream VII sequel. The 33-year-old actress, who played Sam Carpenter, faced dismissal due to her social media commentary on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The controversy centers around Barrera’s Instagram Story, where she allegedly wrote, “Western media only shows the other side,” prompting accusations of perpetuating an antisemitic trope.
Sources reveal that Barrera’s posts were perceived as antisemitic, prompting Spyglass, the studio behind the film, to take swift action. The studio emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech and antisemitism. Barrera’s character, set to become the franchise’s lead, will be recast, altering the course of the anticipated horror installment.
In a blunt statement to Variety, Spyglass declared,
“We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form.”
Fans are expressing their discontent on social media, setting the X platform ablaze with disappointment while co-star, Jenna Ortega has reportedly suspended her contract in solidarity with fans and Barrera’s controversial removal.
Melissa Barrera firing follows a similar incident involving Susan Sarandon, who was dropped by talent agency UTA for her remarks at a Pro-Palestine rally in New York City last week. These decisions align with a growing trend within the industry to hold individuals accountable for controversial remarks.
Fans now await further developments on Scream VII, as the decision to replace Barrera underscores the entertainment industry’s stance against antisemitism.
