Protesters descended on yesterday’s (February 25) premiere for Scream 7, calling for the film and Paramount to be boycotted over the firing of former star Melissa Barrera for her pro-Palestine social media posts.
In 2023, Scream V and VI lead actor Melissa Barrera was dropped from Scream 7 after posting on Instagram in support of Palestine in the wake of their conflict with Israel. Her co-star Jenna Ortega would leave the film shortly after, initially citing scheduling conflicts but later revealing Barrera’s firing was part of the reason for her departure.
The new film moved ahead with original Scream star Neve Campbell returning to the lead, and a piece by The Hollywood Reporter described protesters calling for boycotts of studio Paramount and the movie itself. Appearing to be motivated by Barrera’s firing, they protested with placards saying “Cancel Paramount+”, and “Stand For Free Speech Boycott Scream 7.” There were also chants of “Boycott Scream 7” and “Free, free, free Palestine,” alongside people playing drums and trumpets.
Pro-Palestine protestors play drums and horns next to the ‘SCREAM 7’ premiere. pic.twitter.com/t9JM2CFkHL
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) February 26, 2026
The premiere occurred on the Paramount lot in Los Angeles, but the protest could be heard outside, and Scream 7 director Kevin Williamson spoke to the outlet about the demonstration. “I saw them and my heart just sort of stopped,” he said. “Look, we live in America. Everyone has a right to protest and everyone should be heard. And if you have your truth and if you want to stand up and be heard, you protest. That is your right in this country, and I stand by it. I support that 100 percent.”
Deadline reported that Barrera appeared to acknowledge the protest, posting an Instagram story from her account that read: “I see you”.
A UN commission inquiry concluded in September last year that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, which Israel has denied (via BBC News).
Scream 7 is in cinemas from Friday (February 27).
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