In a shocking turn of events, Jenna Ortega has announced her departure from the highly anticipated horror film Scream 7. The news comes after the controversial firing of co-star Melissa Barrera over her social media posts related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The announcement broke earlier this week when production company Paramount Pictures terminated Barrera’s contract. Barrera wrote a series of tweets expressing her views on the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The decision sparked a heated debate on social media. Supporters defended Barrera’s right to freedom of speech, while others criticized the actress for bringing politics into entertainment.
Jenna Ortega Quits “Scream 7” According to Variety
The actress is known for her roles in Netflix’s Wednesday and Disney’s Stuck in the Middle. According to Variety, Jenna Ortega no longer plans to reprise her role in Scream 7.
The announcement follows a day after Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega’s co-star, was dismissed from the horror franchise because of statements she made about Israel-Palestine on social media. As per the sources, the 21-year-old Ortega has withdrawn from the sequel citing scheduling conflicts with the second season of her popular Netflix series, Wednesday, where she portrays Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family.
On Tuesday, November 21, a representative confirmed to Variety that Netflix had fired Barrera following the interpretation of his social media posts as anti-Semitic.
The Counterpart Responds to Jenna Ortega
Paramount Pictures released a statement addressing the situation. The company stated that they terminated Barrera’s contract after she violated its social media policy. According to the statement, this doesn’t relate to her political stance. However, many remain unconvinced, arguing that the move sets a dangerous precedent for the industry.
Scream 7, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, was highly anticipated by horror fans. The film would mark the return of the iconic franchise after a lengthy hiatus. The unexpected departure of Ortega, who would play a critical role in the film, has left the production in disarray. The studio has yet to announce how they plan to proceed in light of these recent developments.
The controversy surrounding Scream 7 continues to unfold. It underscores the entertainment industry’s broader challenges in navigating the complexities of social and political issues in an increasingly interconnected world.
Featured Image Via Netflix