Melissa Barrera Stands Firm on Social Media After ‘Scream’ Firing Over Gaza Comments

Following the viral news of getting dropped from the cast of ‘Scream 7’, Melissa Barrera took to social media to share a powerful message. In her Instagram story, she showed an unwavering stance on inclusivity and doubled down on her support for Palestine through the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Instagram story said, “At the end of the day, I’d rather be excluded for who I include, than be included for who I exclude,” resonated strongly with her followers, emphasizing her commitment to standing up for what she believes in, even in the face of professional repercussions.

Melissa Barrera’s Instagram Story

Barrera, who was initially set to reprise her role as Sam Carpenter alongside Jenny Ortega in the upcoming sequel, found herself at the center of a media storm following her Instagram posts, in which she criticized the one-sided portrayal of the conflict in the media, particularly in favor of Israel.

The actress’s comments sparked outrage as she referred to Israel as a “colonized” land and alluded to an “antisemitic trope that Jews control the media.” One of her posts read, “Western media only shows the [Israeli] side. Why do they do that, I will let you deduce for yourself.”

According to Variety, Spyglass Media Group quietly removed Barrera from the production due to her controversial social media posts about the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The decision to part ways with Barrera highlights the sensitivity of the issue and the potential ramifications of public statements made by public figures. The controversy has reignited discussions about the impact of social media on the entertainment industry and the responsibility of celebrities to weigh in on geopolitical issues.

Meanwhile, ‘Scream VII’ is shrouded in secrecy, with little information available about the project apart from the change in directorship. Christopher Landon is set to helm the film, taking over from the Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The upcoming installment follows the success of the franchise’s reboot and ‘Scream VI,’ which hit theaters earlier this year.

Beyond the ‘Scream’ series, Barrera remains active in the entertainment industry and is slated to appear in an untitled Universal Pictures film currently in production, scheduled for release in 2024. While her departure from ‘Scream VII’ has sparked controversy, it remains to be seen how this will impact her career and future projects.