Melissa Barrera Responds Publicly to ‘Scream’ Firing Over Gaza Comments, Starts Fundraiser
Mexican actress Melissa Barrera is speaking out after being fired from the “Scream” franchise on Tuesday. She was released from filming after posting about Gaza on her Instagram Stories.
Barrera, was set to star alongside Jenna Ortega in “Scream VII,” when Spyglass Media group cut her from the film. The media company stated doing so after interpreting the actress’ posts as “antisemitic.”
“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech,” they wrote in a statement to Variety.
However, the “Vida” artist is not keeping quiet. On Wednesday, she responded publicly on her Instagram Stories, condemning “Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.”
Melissa Barrera says she feels the “responsibility” of using her platform to raise awareness of current issues
Taking to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Barrera got candid with her audience.
“First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people,” she wrote.
Adding, “As a Latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need.”
“Every person on this earth regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status deserves equal human rights, dignity and, of course, freedom. I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism.”
Then, she closed with a message of unity and compassion for those affected.
“I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence. I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom. Silence is not an option for me.”
In several other Stories, the artist continued posting about the ceasefire and conflict
Before getting cut from the “Scream” movies, Barrera shared a post demanding a ceasefire from President Joe Biden.
“We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Palestine and Israel,” the artist shared on Instagram.
Adding, “Please join us in demanding that Congress, @POTUS, and other world leaders call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. We must end the bombing of Gaza, secure the safe release of all hostages, and demand adequate access to humanitarian aid to reach the people that desperately need it. Call your reps.”
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Mexican actress continued sharing videos and posts of what’s happening in Gaza. Including a quote from Nina Simone reading, “An artist’s duty as far as I’m concerned is to reflect the times.”
Barrera has also started a Save the Children campaign supporting Urgent Relief for Gaza’s children on her Instagram.
The Los Angeles Times reported Barrera is not the first artist to receive backlash for their pro-Palestine stance. On Tuesday, United Talent Agency dropped actor Susan Sarandon for speaking out at a pro-Palestine rally on the weekend.
