Scream 7 Premiere Draws Protesters After Melissa Barrera's Firing

Director Kevin Williamson responds to the demonstration outside the Paramount Studios lot

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Protesters gathered outside the Los Angeles premiere of Scream 7 on Wednesday night, calling for a boycott of the film in support of Palestine. The demonstration comes after the removal of former franchise star Melissa Barrera in late 2023 due to her social media posts criticizing Israel. Director Kevin Williamson addressed the protest, saying he understands people want their voices heard about 'bad stuff that's happening' in the world.

Why it matters

The Scream franchise has faced significant backlash and casting changes following Barrera's firing over her controversial social media posts about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The protest at the Scream 7 premiere highlights the ongoing tensions and polarization around this issue in the entertainment industry.

The details

Approximately 25 demonstrators stood around the perimeter of the Paramount Studios lot, chanting 'Paramount, Paramount, what do you say?' and 'Palestine will live forever!' They were protesting Barrera's removal from the franchise after she posted statements criticizing Israel and accusing the nation of 'genocide and ethnic cleansing.' Spyglass Media Group confirmed Barrera was dropped due to these posts, stating they have 'zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form.' The protest also comes after Jenna Ortega exited the film citing scheduling conflicts, and director Christopher Landon departed after receiving death threats following Barrera's firing.

  • The Scream 7 LA premiere took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • Melissa Barrera was removed from the Scream franchise in late 2023 following her social media posts criticizing Israel.

The players

Kevin Williamson

The director of Scream 7 who addressed the protest outside the film's premiere.

Melissa Barrera

The former Scream franchise star who was fired from the series in late 2023 over her social media posts criticizing Israel.

Jenna Ortega

An actress who exited the Scream 7 film due to scheduling conflicts after Barrera's firing.

Christopher Landon

The director who departed the Scream 7 project after receiving death threats following Barrera's firing.

Spyglass Media Group

The production company behind the Scream franchise that confirmed Barrera's removal due to her anti-Israel social media posts.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kevin Williamson, Director, Scream 7 (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.”

— Kevin Williamson, Director, Scream 7 (Variety)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The protest at the Scream 7 premiere highlights the ongoing tensions and polarization around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the entertainment industry, with the franchise facing significant backlash and casting changes following the removal of Melissa Barrera over her controversial social media posts.