Melissa Barrera speaks out after ‘Scream VII’ firing: ‘Silence is not an option for me’
nypost.comfired from “Scream VII” amid her controversial comments on social media about the Israel-Hamas war.“First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people,” Barrera, 33, wrote in a statement posted to her Instagram Story on Wednesday night. “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,” she said.Barrera portrayed Sam Carpenter in 2022’s “Scream,” alongsideJenna Ortega, who is also not returning to the franchise for the seventh installment.
The “Vida” star raised eyebrows off-screen last month when she started posting about the war, writing in one Instagram Story, “I too come from a colonized country,” along with a Mexican flag emoji.“Palestine WILL be free,” she added in her caption, quoting from a poem popular with activists: “They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds.”On Wednesday, Barrera continued, “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.
I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence.”She concluded, “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.
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