The Israel-Hamas war is causing a ripple effect in Hollywood, with the industry being divided. Many celebrities have taken stances on the conflict. Many are siding with Israel, and several celebrities, like Mia Khalifa, Gigi Hadid, Melissa Barrera, and others, have supported Palestine. This has led to major studios and agencies sacking or demoting talents, like Spyglass firing Melissa from the ‘Scream’ franchise.
In 1996, the first of the many successful films from the ‘Scream’ franchise came out. Since then, it has become one of the most profitable horror franchises, including spin-off films. Actresses like Courtney Cox, Drew Barrymore, and others feature in the films. In 2022, Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega took pivotal roles in it and took forward the franchise. Recently, Melissa was fired from ‘Scream VII’ due to her inflammatory statement while taking a pro-Palestine stance. Now, the actress has made it clear that silence is not an option for her.
Related: Melissa Barrera Gets Dropped From ‘Scream 7’ For Posting Her Stance About Israel-Hamas War
Melisa Barrera Says She Will Continue To Advocate For Human Rights And Freedom
Keeping the Israel-Hamas war in mind, every move of celebrities is being monitored with respect to the stance they take. Recently, Melissa Barrera’s stand against Israel’s constant attack in Gaza has cost her the role of Sidney Prescott in the ‘Scream’ franchise.
Melissa called the attack on Gaza a “genocide” and said that it is being treated as a “concentration camp”.
Due to Melissa Barrera’s inflammatory statement, Spyglass fired the actress from the franchise. The media group clearly stated that they have zero tolerance for any kind of hate, “including references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortation.”
Now, Melissa has addressed the situation of getting fired for standing up for a community affected by the war. The actress made it clear that she is against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. The ‘Keep Breathing’ actress said that she is using her platform to elevate voices and people who are in need.
Melissa wrote, “Every person on the earth — regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status — deserves equal human rights, dignity and, of course, freedom.”
She added, “I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism.” Barrera wrote further, “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.”
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Jenna Ortega Exits The Franchise As Well
Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega were integral parts of both ‘Scream’ installments in the franchise. The actresses boosted the franchise by giving it a $300 million gross collection with ‘Scream V’ and ‘Scream VI’. After Melissa, Jenna is also exiting the ‘Scream’ franchise.
Sources told ‘Deadline’ that Jenna Ortega will not be returning to the ‘Scream’ franchise. The reason is the shoot for the second season of the widely popular Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. She completed the shoot for ‘Bettlejuice’ for its Labor Day release. In April 2024, Ortega will head to Ireland for the series shoot.
The announcement coincided with Melissa’s exit from the franchise, but Jenna’s decision to leave the franchise was taken before the actors’ strike.
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