Lillard's Admission at Austin Screening
On Tuesday, Matthew Lillard voiced remorse about appearing in Scream 7 following the dismissal of Melissa Barrera, who was let go from the franchise because of her social media posts regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. He characterized his involvement as being on the wrong side of history. Footage captured him addressing fans at a Q&A held during a 30th anniversary showing of the original Scream at a Regal cinema in Austin, Texas. The exact question posed remains unknown since the clip only features Lillard talking, though it seems tied to how celebrities weigh in on political matters.[S1]
Lillard called it a great question and brought up the current controversy surrounding singer Ed Sheeran, who has drawn criticism after venues pushed him to remove Macklemore from his tour because of Macklemore's pro-Palestinian comments. Lillard remarked that it is not always simple, then shifted to Barrera. He pointed out that he faced criticism for coming back to the Scream series in the very film Barrera had been slated to lead. Lillard said his decision placed him on the wrong side of history.[S1]
Lillard admitted he feels bad and ashamed, explaining that at the time he was so thrilled to return that he failed to consider Melissa and her experience, and he did not turn it down. He called himself embarrassed, saying that is the honest truth. He also mentioned that he still enjoys being part of the movie, though it might not have been the wisest choice. Discussing what Barrera endured, Lillard noted that when people start targeting your livelihood, sometimes the cause is worth it.[S1]
Barrera's Firing and the Macklemore Case
Barrera appeared in Scream 6 and was set to come back for the seventh entry in the popular horror series, but she was removed in 2023. Spyglass Media Group, the studio producing the film, verified that it had let Barrera go following her Instagram posts criticizing Israel. A Variety report stated that her post referenced Israel as a colonized land and shared content accusing Israel of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Another post claimed Western media presents only the Israeli perspective, and reportedly invited readers to draw their own conclusions about why.[S1]
Spyglass Media Group said in a statement to Variety that it does not tolerate antisemitism or any form of hate incitement. Barrera first chose not to comment, but afterward told the Associated Press she appreciated everything that had occurred and viewed it as an awakening. Lillard said Melissa Barrera, a wonderful actor, lost her job over her comments once the Palestinian situation began unfolding in Israel. He called it really fucking bullshit and really difficult, and said she stands on the right side of history. He added that the entire world should have risen up to affirm she was right, and since they did not, that is brutal.[S1]
The Scream actor's comments emerged days after rapper Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour because of a speech and performance focused on his pro-Palestinian stance. Macklemore, whose real name is Ben Haggerty, stated Monday that venues warned they would cancel Sheeran's concerts in response to the rapper declaring Free Palestine on stage. Robert Kraft, who owns the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, was among those involved, and Macklemore accused him of orchestrating a boycott against the rapper.[S1]
