Followingthe firing ofMelissa BarrerafromScream VIIin the wake of the actor’s stance on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, it appears that the entertainment industry has not yet had the final say on the matter, with over 1300 actors and artists having signed a letter condemning Barrera’s sacking, among many other incidents, as a form of censorship.
The letter, published byArtists for Palestine UK, sets its focus on the UK arts and literature industry, listing the cancelation of exhibitions, the firing of publication staff and authors being forced to cancel book signings, alongside noting the firing of Barerra for sharing her thoughts on social media. Among the many names to have added their moniker to the letter are Olivia Colman (The Favourite, Secret Invasion), Harriet Walter (Succession, Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education), Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Youssef Kerkour (Napoleon), Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), and Lolly Adefope (Ghosts).
An excerpt from the letter reads:
“Despite this pressure, artists in their thousands are following their conscience and continuing to speak out. Freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Human Rights Act and the European Convention of Human Rights is the backbone of our creative lives, and fundamental to democracy.”
“To stay silent in the face of mass injustice and worsening humanitarian crisis would be an abrogation of moral duty. To actively silence the principled artists and workers who do fulfil this responsibility is a failure to meet legal obligations on freedom of expression and anti-discrimination.”
Melissa Barrera Responded To Her Firing
Melissa Barrerabroke her silence the day after her firing from the upcomingScream VII. While the production company of the movie, Spyglass, issued their own statement after the news broke, Barrera gave her side of the story in a post on her Instagram stories. The lengthy statement read:
“First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kinds against any group of people. As a latina, a proud Mexican, 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 0 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. 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 Believes the Scream Movies Will Keep Coming Until Fans No Longer Want Them
The Ghostface killings will stop when horror fans don’t want any more Scream movies, franchise star Melissa Barrera says.
Scream VII Now Facing Complete Re-Write
Scream VIIseemed certain to be a sure-fire hit following the hugely successful release ofScream VIearlier this year. However, in the last couple of days, things have changed dramatically for the newest sequel to the Wes Craven-created franchise.
Following the revelation that Barrera had been removed from the project, something that incoming director Christopher Landon noted was not something he had played any part in via his own social media account, the news broke thatJenna Ortega would also not be returningfor the next round of Ghostface horror.
In the revivedScreamfranchise, Ortega and Barrera played sisters Tara and Sam Carpenter respectively, and were both expected to return for a third time inScream VII. However, that plan has now fallen apart in the most dramatic fashion, leading to the question of how the franchise can continue. In a report byVariety, the movie is now expected to undergo a complete overhaul, with it even being suggested that Neve Campbell is top of the studio’s wish list to return to the franchise, with Patrick Dempsey also said to be wanted for the sequel, which would follow up on his appearance inScream 3back in 2000.
