Mexican actress Melissa Barrera has broken her silence after being dropped from the cast of “Scream VII” by Spyglass Media due to her social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. In a statement shared on her Instagram Stories, Barrera condemned Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, emphasizing her stance against hate and prejudice.
“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,” Barrera expressed in her statement.
She reiterated her belief in equal human rights for every person, regardless of factors such as religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. Barrera emphasized her conviction that a group of people should not be defined by their leadership, and she asserted that no governing body should be exempt from criticism. The actress revealed her continuous prayers for an end to violence, deaths, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.
Barrera concluded her statement with a powerful message: “Silence is not an option for me.”
Spyglass Media had previously announced their decision to part ways with Barrera, stating their unequivocal stance against antisemitism and any form of hate speech. The production company emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that blatantly crosses into hate speech.
Following Barrera’s exit, it was also confirmed that Jenna Ortega would not be returning to “Scream VII.”
The controversy surrounding Barrera’s dismissal highlights the intersection of entertainment and social media, where celebrities’ statements and actions on global issues can impact their professional engagements.