Israel-Hamas war: Melissa Barrera breaks her silence on her exit from Scream 7

Actor Melissa Barrera has issued a statement for the first time since her exit from the Scream franchise. She was fired by the Spyglass Media Group over her pro-Palestine posts on social media. The production banner deemed the posts as antisemitic. Barrera’s response came on Wednesday afternoon through a post on her Instagram story. “First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people," the statement reads. “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 the 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.” Barrera added, “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.”