Jenna Ortega Drops ‘Scream 7’ Due to Scheduling Conflict After Melissa Barrera’s Dismissal

Actress Melissa Barrera won’t be returning to the upcoming “Scream 7” film. As confirmed by USA TODAY, the decision came after the Mexican artist shared multiple posts supporting Palestine on Tuesday.

In a statement shared with Variety, Spyglass Media Group, producing “Scream,” revealed their reasons for firing Barrera. Stating they interpreted Barrera’s post 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.

Now, actress Jenna Ortega, who plays Barrera’s sister in the movie announced she’s also dropping from the due to a scheduling conflict with shooting “Wednesday,” Deadline reports.

Barrera shared several posts on the Gaza casualties on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday

On November 21, Barrera shared several videos on her Instagram stories detailing casualties and events in Gaza. One such included a video of a surgeon who lost his own child after having to conduct an amputation without anesthetics, another from a protest in Philadelphia that called for a ceasefire on the “genocide in Gaza.”

However, the “In the Heights” star previously commented on the Israel-Hamas war, calling on President Joe Biden for a ceasefire three weeks ago.

“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.”

Variety reports Barrera also shared posts that accused Israel of “genocide and ethnic cleansing,” specifically one from Jewish Currents magazine, claiming it was distorting “the Holocaust to boost the Israeli arms industry.”

Ortega leaving the show is reportedly unrelated to Barrera’s firing

Deadline reports that Ortega, who made her “Scream” debut in 2022 with “Scream VI”, won’t be returning to the film. However, the publication claims this “has nothing to do with fallout from Melissa Barrera’s firing” on Tuesday.

Additionally, they cite the actress’ decision came before the actors strike when the script from “Scream VII” was not ready.

Reports state Barrera is not the first person dropped from their position for pro-Palestine comments

According to the Los Angeles Times, 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.

Other actors, musicians, and stars have shared open letters denouncing Hamas but also demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. R&B singer Summer Walker shared her own stance on the conflict on Instagram with a seven-slide post.

“The genocide and execution of innocent lives, those of children, women, men and elders in Palestine and Gaza needs to stop,” she wrote.

Actress and singer Selena Gomez also denounced the “humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” deciding she would be “taking a break from social media.” As USA TODAY shared, Gomez posted on her stories with a message on how the “violence and terror” is going on in the world.

“I’ve been taking a break from social media because my heart breaks to see all of the horror, hate, violence, and terror that’s going on in the world. People being tortured and killed or any act of hate towards any one group is horrific. We need to protect ALL people, especially children, and stop the violence for good,” Gomez wrote.

“I’m sorry if my words will never be enough for everyone or a hashtag. I just can’t stand by innocent people getting hurt,” she continued. “That’s what makes me sick. I wish I could change the world. But a post won’t. Love, Selena.”

Many are sharing their disbelief on Spyglass’ decision to fire the actress

Barrera plays Samantha Carpenter, in 2022’s “Scream” and “Scream VI.” In a now-deleted X post, filmmaker Christopher Landon, who is directing “Scream VII,” responded to Barrera’s exit.

Writing, “Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.”

Others also responded to the actress’s firing, questioning her right to free speech.

Some are calling out the double standards in Hollywood when it comes to opinions.

And many fans are responding in support of the actress.