Melissa Barrera Was Canceled by Hollywood for Speaking Out Against Israel. She’s Still Fighting Her Way Back.

In late 2023, as Israeli bombs decimated Gaza in retribution for the Oct. 7 attacks, actress Melissa Barrera took stock of the carnage and spoke out.

The “Scream” and “In the Heights” star posted daily messages to her Instagram calling for peace, criticizing the Israeli government’s killing of Palestinian civilians, and comparing Gaza to a concentration camp. She posted fundraising links to Palestinian human rights organizations and shared articles by Holocaust scholars accusing Israel of committing genocide. The Hollywood powers that be took notice and a month later, she was fired from her lead role in “Scream 7” and pushed out of her talent agency, WME.

Spyglass, the production company behind the “Scream” films, issued the following statement to Variety at the time about Barrera’s firing:

“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

Barrera rejected Spyglass’ claims of “antisemitism” and the “incitement of hate,” responding: “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.”