“Scream 7” Premiere Met With Protests Over Melissa Barrera’s Firing, Sparking Boycott Calls

Los Angeles, CA – The premiere of “Scream 7” on Wednesday night at the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles was met with demonstrations as protestors called for a boycott of the film, citing support for Palestine and objecting to the firing of actress Melissa Barrera. Approximately 25 demonstrators gathered outside the studio, displaying flags, playing drums, and chanting slogans such as “Paramount, Paramount, what do you say?” and “Palestine will live forever!”

Background: Barrera’s Dismissal and Controversy

The controversy stems from Barrera’s social media posts regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack and Israel’s subsequent military response, Barrera shared critical views of Israel on Instagram, accusing the nation of “genocide and ethnic cleansing.” She also shared a post from Jewish Currents Magazine that discussed the distortion of “the Holocaust to boost the Israeli arms industry.”

In response, Spyglass Media Group, the production company behind the “Scream” movies, announced Barrera’s dismissal from “Scream 7.” A spokesperson for Spyglass stated the company has “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.” Los Angeles Times

Aftermath and Production Changes

Shortly after Barrera’s firing, Jenna Ortega also exited the project, citing scheduling conflicts. Director Christopher Landon also departed, stating he received death threats related to Barrera’s dismissal. These changes necessitated a script rewrite and the return of Neve Campbell, reprising her role as Sidney Prescott as the lead character.

Kevin Williamson, the original writer of “Scream,” stepped in to direct the film. The cast now includes Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, and Mckenna Grace.

Director’s Response to Protests

Speaking on the red carpet at the premiere, director Kevin Williamson addressed the protests, stating, “We live in a world where a lot of bad things are happening out there, and I think a lot of people want to be heard and they want to have their voice heard about the bad stuff that’s happening.” He added, “My heart goes out to them. I don’t know if canceling Paramount+ is the way to do it. But I think people should listen to their inner self and do what feels good for them.” Deadline

Ongoing Boycott Efforts

Calls for a boycott of “Scream 7” continue, with some fans expressing support for Barrera’s other projects. Deadline. The film’s plot centers on Sidney Prescott relocating to Woodsboro for a peaceful life with her daughter, which is disrupted by the return of Ghostface.