Melissa Barrera, known for her role as Sam Carpenter in the “Scream” franchise, has recently opened up about the unexpected turn of events that led to her firing. Despite her successful appearances in “Scream” in 2022 and “Scream 6” in 2023, which broke the franchise’s box office record, Barrera was abruptly let go from the upcoming “Scream 7” by Spyglass Studios. The studio interpreted her social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas conflict as antisemitic, specifically accusing her of “Holocaust distortion.”
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Barrera expressed her shock at the studio’s decision and defended her posts, stating that her intention was solely advocating for human rights. She believed that her stance on the issue should not be a controversial one. Spyglass Studios, however, reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism and hate speech in their statement about her firing.
Barrera remains firm in her convictions, asserting that her posts were made from a place of love, humanity, and the pursuit of freedom for all. She emphasized that her plea for a ceasefire in Gaza was grounded in the well-being and security of both sides involved. Her commitment to this cause was further demonstrated when she joined a pro-Palestinian march at the Sundance Film Festival, where her movie “Your Monster” premiered.
Following Barrera’s departure, her co-star Jenna Ortega also decided to leave the franchise, and director Christopher Landon withdrew from “Scream 7.” Despite these setbacks, Barrera spoke highly of Ortega, emphasizing their strong bond and mutual support.
Ultimately, Barrera’s unexpected firing from the “Scream” franchise was a turning point in her career. However, she remains at peace, knowing that her true intentions were understood by her loved ones and many others worldwide.
Source: NBC News
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