Melissa Barrera issues statement on 'Scream VII' departure: I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people

In her first public statement since news of her firing from the highly anticipated 'Scream VII', Melissa Barrera, known for her role as Samantha Carpenter in the hit horror series, has broken her silence.
Taking to her Instagram story on Wednesday (November 22), Barrera began her statement by denouncing both Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. "I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people," she asserted.The 33-year-old actress, a proud Mexicana, expressed the responsibility she feels as a Latina with a platform to address pertinent issues and lend her voice to those in need.

"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 who need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom. Silence is not an option for me," she added.
Melissa Barrera's post read:
First and foremost I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.
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. 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. 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.

The decision to part ways with the upcoming instalment reportedly stems from Barrera's social media posts concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict that were viewed by the production house as 'antisemitic'.
Since the revelation of Barrera's departure, the studio behind the upcoming movie and the director issued statements addressing the situation. Director Raz Segal also commented on the same, assuring all that the decision to axe the actress from the film was made from 'higher ups'.
Amidst the fallout, Jenna Ortega also announced her withdrawal from the project. However, it was later revealed that the actress' departure was purely because of Wednesday scheduling conflicts that would make logistics impossible.