What’s happening:

Actress Melissa Barrera, after facing backlash and being dismissed from the “Scream VII” project due to her controversial comments on social media, has publicly condemned antisemitism and called for peace and co-existence.

Why it matters:

Barrera’s initial remarks, which accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing and genocide,” sparked significant controversy and led to her departure from a major film franchise. Her latest statement is an attempt to clarify her position and address the sensitive issues of hate and prejudice.

The big picture:

The incident highlights the tension between celebrity activism and the entertainment industry’s stance on sensitive political matters. Spyglass, the production company behind “Scream VII,” has emphasized its “zero tolerance” policy for antisemitism and hate speech.

What she’s saying:

In her Instagram post, Barrera stated, “I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.” She emphasized her commitment to using her platform to speak out for human rights and peaceful co-existence, rejecting silence on issues of injustice.

Between the lines:

Barrera’s comments reflect a broader discourse on the responsibility of public figures to use their platforms for advocacy, as well as the consequences they may face for their statements.

The response:

Spyglass has responded to the controversy by reiterating its firm stance against any form of hate, including antisemitism, and has distanced itself from any rhetoric that it deems to be hate speech.

Bottom line:

While Barrera has faced professional setbacks due to her comments, her recent statement attempts to address the complexities of political speech and the importance of advocating for peace and human rights.

This story was first published on ynetnews.