Boycott calls emerge during Scream 7 premier over silencing pro-Palestine voices
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- Pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered at the Scream 7 world premiere in Los Angeles to call for a boycott of Paramount, protesting the 2023 firing of lead actress Melissa Barrera after she labeled ‘Israel's’ assault on Gaza as genocide.
- Organized by groups including Jewish Voice for Peace, the protest highlighted claims of a Hollywood "blacklist" against actors who criticize ‘Israel’.
Approximately 25 pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered outside the Paramount Pictures Studios lot in Los Angeles during the world premiere of "Scream 7," calling for a boycott of the film and its distributor.
The protest is over the silencing of pro-Palestinian voices in Hollywood, particularly in reference to the 2023 firing of actress Melissa Barrera from the franchise.
The action was organized by Entertainment Labor for Palestine, CODEPINK LA, and Jewish Voice for Peace-Los Angeles, groups advocating for Palestinian rights, according to a report by Deadline.
Protesters chanted phrases such as "Paramount, Paramount, what do you say?" and "Palestine will live forever!" while holding signs that read "Paramount has a blacklist of actors who criticize Israel" and "Cancel Paramount+."
The demonstration stemmed from Barrera's dismissal in November 2023 by Spyglass Media Group, the film's production company, following her social media posts condemning ‘Israel's’ assault on Gaza as genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Spyglass claimed a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism or hate speech, including what they described as false references to genocide or Holocaust distortion.
Barrera's comments noted that Western media primarily shows the ‘Israeli’ perspective and likened Gaza to a "concentration camp”.
In response to the protest, Barrera, who was not present at the premiere, posted on her Instagram Stories: "I see you" accompanied by a heart emoji, in a nod to the protestors and supporters of the boycott.
"Scream 7" director Kevin Williamson addressed the protesters during the event, saying: “We live in America. We have the right to protest. They have the right to be heard, and they have a right to speak to what your truth is, and I support that."
The film, set for theatrical release on February 27, 2026, continues the slasher franchise without Barrera, who had starred in previous installments.
Projections estimate a global box office opening of around $60 million.
