The slasher film franchise, Scream, has been spooking audiences since 1996, when the first Scream movie starring Neve Campbell was released. Since then, five other movies and a TV show have spawned from this franchise. Being one of the more popular franchises from the horror genre, it has a pretty good fan following.
Unfortunately, recently, the franchise came under fire when they fired one of the actresses, Melissa Barrera, from Scream 7. Barrera had posted a pro-Palestine story on her Instagram, which led to her dismissal from the upcoming Scream movie. Soon after, many stars of the franchise, including Jenna Ortega and now Hayden Panettiere, have spoken out in favor of the actress.
Suggested Article: “I’m becoming who I’m supposed to be”: Melissa Barrera is Grateful for Scream Franchise Firing Her as Actress Wins Hearts Unlike Noah Schnapp
Melissa Barrera is Not Going to Back Down
In November of 2023, Melissa Barrera posted a pro-Palestine story on her Instagram, denouncing the ‘genocide’ happening in Gaza. Soon after, Spyglass, the production company behind the Scream franchise, dropped the actress from their upcoming movie, Scream 7.
They said they had no tolerance for antisemitism in their midst and decided to let go of the actress. In their statement, the company said,
“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.”
This led to a lot of disappointed and equally upset fans, who thought the move was very wrong. Barrera has been vocal about the war going on in Gaza and did not back out from sharing her views, even after she was let go from the franchise.
“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.”
Suggested Article: “She’s a good person”: Melissa Barrera Seemingly Confirms Real Reason Behind Jenna Ortega’s Scream 7 Exit That Fans Suspected All Along
Since then, many other actors and people from the fraternity have spoken up about the Israel-Hamas war. They have also turned up in favor of Melissa Barrera and criticized her abrupt dismissal from the franchise.
Hayden Panettiere Reached Out to Melissa Barrera After Her Dismissal
Actress Hayden Panettiere, who is also part of the Scream franchise, has now spoken up about how it was “very unfair” that Melissa was let go from the franchise after she shared her opinion publicly. Panettiere said that after Barrera, many other actors have also come forward to share their views, but Barrera was the one who bore the majority of the brunt.
Speaking to The Messenger, Panettiere said,
“After she [spoke out], then a whole bunch of other actors and people in the industry started to do the same thing, right? It was almost like she just did it earlier than everyone else.”
Suggested Article: “It comes from a place of love”: Melissa Barrera Clarifies Her Israel-Palestine Statement That Led to Shocking Scream 7 Firing
The Nashville actress said that when she reached out to Barrera to check on her, the young actress thanked her and reassured her that she was doing good. Panettiere praised the actress for her courage and grace, saying,
“Melissa is such a badass as a human being and as an actress… She was hurt by it, but I think she took it in stride and was very, very gracious about it.”
You can watch Melissa Barrera in Scream 5 and 6, streaming on Paramount Plus.
