The Scream movie franchise is surrounded by controversy at the moment. Star Melissa Barrera, known for playing Sam Carpenter in both 2022’s Scream and 2023’s Scream VI, was fired for comments made on social media. Her co-star, Jenna Ortega, was announced to have left one day later – though seemingly for unrelated reasons. Now Melissa Barrera has released a statement regarding her removal from Scream 7.
The seventh Scream film could have no doubt made Melissa Barrera’s Sam an integral part of the plot yet again. After all, she is the daughter of the original film‘s Billy Loomis. Unfortunately, it looks like her story has come to an end, especially now that Spyglass has ultimately decided to fire her. As shared by Barrera on Instagram, however, she seems to have other concerns on her mind.
She shared in her story a statement that not only counters what Spyglass said about her, but that she will continue to be vocal about her beliefs. “First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia,” she begins. “I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.”
She continues:
“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.”
She continues to emphasize her stance on the matters:
“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.”
Melissa Barrera has released a statement following her firing from #Scream7 pic.twitter.com/c4vJKk7P3A
— Geek Vibes Nation (@GeekVibesNation) November 23, 2023
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates on this situation as we have them. For now, the fate of Scream VII and the future of the franchise is unclear. However, it is clear that Melissa Barrera will continue to share her thoughts and feelings on social media as she sees fit.