'Free Palestine. Boycott Scream 7.'

"22 arts and advocacy organizations from four continents have called for a boycott of this film because it normalizes genocide, apartheid, and blacklisting. Free Palestine. Boycott Scream 7. This statement encapsulates the core argument of boycott supporters, linking the actress's firing to broader geopolitical concerns and framing the studio's actions as complicit in normalizing harmful practices."

"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. This statement represents the studio's justification for Barrera's termination, emphasizing their commitment to preventing hate speech and antisemitism."

"Following the critical and box-office success of 2023's Scream VI, excitement for the follow-up film was high. But the sequel hit a serious roadblock in November 2023, when franchise star Melissa Barrera was abruptly fired for social media posts critical of Israel in the wake of the October 7 attacks and Israel's subsequent war in Gaza."

Scream 7 has become unexpectedly controversial following the November 2023 firing of franchise star Melissa Barrera by Spyglass Media Group. Barrera was dismissed for social media posts critical of Israel made after the October 7 attacks and subsequent Gaza war, with one post deemed antisemitic by the studio. The firing sparked significant backlash, with 22 arts and advocacy organizations from four continents calling for a boycott of the film. Supporters argue the dismissal normalizes genocide and apartheid, while Spyglass maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitism and hate speech. This controversy extends beyond typical franchise casting complaints, representing a more complex cultural and political conflict surrounding the highly anticipated sequel.

Read at Vulture