Scream 7 Premiere Draws Protestors After Melissa Barrera’s Firing, Director Reacts
Protests unfolded at the Los Angeles premiere of Scream 7, drawing attention outside the Paramount Studios lot as the latest installment debuted. The demonstration comes amid lingering fallout tied to the franchise’s casting changes, with director Kevin Williamson responding to the situation on the red carpet.
Protestors assemble at Scream 7 premiere
Protesters assembled outside the Scream 7 premiere on Wednesday night at the Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, calling for a boycott of the film in support of Palestine.
Approximately 25 demonstrators stood around the perimeter with flags, drums, and bullhorns. They chanted “Paramount, Paramount, what do you say?” and “Palestine will live forever!” Deadline wrote on X, “‘Free Palestine’ protest taking place outside of Paramount Studios at the #Scream7 LA premiere.”
The protest follows the removal of former franchise star Melissa Barrera in late 2023. After Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack and Israel’s retaliation, Barrera posted statements on Instagram criticizing Israel and accusing the nation of “genocide and ethnic cleansing.”
She also shared a post referencing distorting “the Holocaust to boost the Israeli arms industry.” Spyglass Media Group confirmed to Variety that she was dropped from the franchise because of those posts.
“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,” a spokesperson told Variety at the time.
Jenna Ortega exited the film citing scheduling conflicts, and director Christopher Landon departed after stating he received death threats following Barrera’s firing.
Director Kevin Williamson addressed the demonstration during the red carpet. “We live in a world where a lot of bad things are happening out there, and I think a lot of people want to be heard and they want to have their voice heard about the bad stuff that’s happening.”
Williamson told Variety. “My heart goes out to them. I don’t know if canceling Paramount+ is the way to do it. But I think people should listen to their inner self and do what feels good for them.”
Source: Comingsoon.net