Mexican actress Melissa Barrera has been removed from the upcoming Scream film sequel by production company Spyglass following allegations that her pro-Palestinian social media posts were antisemitic. Barrera, known for leading the previous two Scream movies, faced criticism for sharing content accusing Israel of “genocide and ethnic cleansing.”
Spyglass, expressing “zero tolerance for antisemitism,” announced the decision after Barrera’s controversial posts surfaced. The production company stated that it does not tolerate hate speech, false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, or Holocaust distortion.
In response to her firing, Barrera defended her position on Instagram, emphasising the importance of criticising governing bodies while expressing prayers for peace and coexistence. She shared a post hinting at exclusion for her inclusive views.
Barrera’s removal follows a similar incident involving actress Susan Sarandon, who was dropped by her Hollywood agency, UTA, after speaking at a pro-Palestinian rally. Sarandon’s comments sparked controversy, with accusations that she compared the experiences of Jewish people to those of Muslims in the United States.
The Scream franchise, rebooted in 2022, has experienced significant success at the box office. The fifth film earned $137 million, and the sixth garnered $169 million. Barrera played Sam Carpenter in the films.
Meanwhile, Sarandon’s dismissal from UTA came amid broader tensions in Hollywood related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Maha Dakhil, a senior figure at CAA, faced backlash for her Instagram posts about the conflict, resulting in her removal from the co-chief position of the motion pictures department. Tom Cruise reportedly expressed support for Dakhil amid the controversy.
The situation reflects the broader impact of social and political issues on the entertainment industry, where public statements and positions can lead to professional consequences. The Israel-Gaza conflict has generated debates and controversies across various sectors, including the entertainment world.
Kiki Garba
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