In November 2023, Melissa Barrera was fired from Scream 7 following her pro-Palestine comments regarding the conflict with Israel in the Middle East. Barrera’s costar, Jenna Ortega, exited Scream 7 shortly after due to scheduling conflicts with Wednesday Season 2. Even though Ortega’s decision reportedly had nothing to do with Barrera’s firing, there is speculation that the Wednesday star exited in support of her costar.
What Did Melissa Barrera Say About Jenna Ortega Following Scream 7 Firing?
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Barrera praised Ortega for her support and friendship following her removal from Scream 7.
“Listen, Jenna is a good egg,” Barrera said. “She’s a good person and we love each other. She would show up for me, and I would show up for her no matter what.”
Barrera described Spyglass Media Group’s decision to remove her from the franchise as “shocking.” After a few months to reflect, Barrera is now at peace with the decision.
“I think everything that happened was very transparent on both sides, and I know who I am, and I know that what I said always came from a place of love and a place of humanity and a place of human rights and a place of freedom for people, which shouldn’t be controversial,” Barrera said. “It shouldn’t be up for debate. So, I’m very at peace. The people who know me in my family know the truth about me and where I stand, and I think most people in the world also do.”
Barrera and Ortega were not the only departures from the franchise. Director Christopher Landon exited Scream 7 in December 2023, describing the film as a “dream job that turned into a nightmare.” The seventh Scream film will undergo a “significant creative reboot” following the firing and departures.
