Melissa Barrera addresses ‘Scream 7’ premiere protest: 'I see you'

As the cast of Scream 7 assembled on Wednesday at Paramount Studios for the global debut of the horror sequel, “Free Palestine” protesters gathered outside the studio entrance.

More than two years following her removal from the series for speaking out about the Israel-Hamas issue, Melissa Barrera appeared to acknowledge the supporters protesting the Kevin Williamson-directed film.

“I see you,” Barrera shared on her Instagram Story accompanied by a heart emoji.

Meanwhile, Williamson spoke about the demonstration as he made his way down the red carpet inside the venue. 

“In the United States, we enjoy the right to protest. Everyone deserves to have their voices heard, and they have a right to articulate their truth, which I support,” he expressed to Deadline.

In October, after the release of the initial trailer for Scream 7, fans rapidly voiced their disapproval online, urging a boycott.

Spyglass dismissed Barrera in November 2023 due to her social media comments on the Israel-Hamas situation and the “wrongdoings against Palestinians,” clarifying that their company has “zero tolerance for antisemitism or any form of hate incitement, including misleading claims about genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust misrepresentation, or any remarks crossing into hate speech.”

Following Barrera's departure, Jenna Ortega also left the series, later stating that the sequel “was coming undone” without Barrera portraying the new ‘final girl’ Sam Carpenter. 

Director Christopher Landon also stepped away from the project due to “highly aggressive and genuinely frightening” death threats against his family.

Campbell was subsequently brought back to reprise her character as the original “final girl” Sidney Campbell in March 2024, with the original Scream (1996) screenwriter Williamson set to direct.