Melissa Barrera’s Gaza Strip comments have cost her a role in the Scream series franchise’s upcoming movie in 2024/25
The Keep Breathing actress is under fire alongside actress Susan Sarandon, who has also expressed pro-Palestine sentiment
Hollywood stars, including Jerry Seinfeld, Natalie Portman, Madonna and more, have taken to their platforms to voice opinions on the armed conflict between Israel and Palestine
Hollywood punishes Melissa Barrera and Susan Sarandon pro-Palestine comments
Melissa Barrera has been fired from the Scream franchise for taking her views on the matter to social media. She wrote that Gaza was “being treated like a concentration camp”. Melissa was to appear in Scream 7.
Susan Sarandon has been dropped by her agency for siding with the people of Palestine. She made comments that have been considered antisemitic at a pro-Palestine rally in a video shared by Fox News.
Mexican actress Melissa Barrera and icon Susan Sarandon are the latest to have received negative backlash from their comments.
Is there freedom of speech in Hollywood about Israeli war?
Melissa Barerra and Susan Sarandon’s pro-Palestine remarks triggered significant controversy. There were discussions about freedom of speech and debates concerning the roles celebrities should assume in such incidents. Addressing this complex issue requires tact and expertise. Unfortunately, too many people feel exempt from this rule. It becomes especially problematic when one has a large platform to express their views.
While it’s tempting to become engrossed in celebrity scandals, we must not lose sight of the genuine problem. The Israel-Palestine war’s toll, with over 10,022 lives lost, 4,104 of that number are victims under the age of 18.
Madonna, Gal Gadot, and more speak on Israel-Palestine conflict
Celebrities who provided valuable insight on the issue include Natalie Portman, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Gal Gadot, Madonna, Jerry Seinfeld, Barbara Streisand, Reese Witherspoon, Justin Bieber, Josh Gad, Gigi Hadid, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kim Kardashian and more stars.
Others, unable to take to the streets and be vocal about the situation, chose to sign a letter called Artists4Ceasefire. Assessing the effectiveness of the letter and celebrity outcry is challenging. The movement hopes to alert diplomats and encourage them to address the situation seriously.
Vanessa Nakayange is a multidisciplinary professional with expertise in writing, artistry, economics, and activism. Presently based in Zambia, she works for a non-governmental organization focused on sexual health and gender equality. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of International Business and Economics in China.
