Premiere of 'Scream 7' features pro-Palestinian protest against Paramount
The premiere of 'Scream 7' was marked by a protest advocating for Palestinian freedom and a boycott of Paramount following actress Melissa Barrera's firing over perceived antisemitic comments.
The premiere of the film 'Scream 7' at Paramount Studios in Brazil took an unexpected turn as approximately 25 protesters gathered to express their solidarity with Palestine and call for a boycott of the producer, Spyglass Media Group. This protest stemmed from the recent firing of Mexican actress Melissa Barrera, who was dismissed from the project in November 2023 after her comments about the Israel-Palestine conflict were deemed anti-Semitic by the studio. The calls for a free Palestine and a boycott of Paramount were prominent among the demonstrators, who engaged attendees to consider canceling their subscriptions to Paramount+.
Director Kevin Williamson, present at the premiere, acknowledged the protesters' sentiments but expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of a boycott as a means to address such conflicts. He suggested that people should follow their own intuition in deciding how to respond to issues of social justice, emphasizing the complexity of the situation. Barrera also referenced the protest on her Instagram, further illuminating the discourse around the film's release and its tie to the ongoing geopolitical situation.
In an effort to sidestep further controversy, the film-related social network Letterboxd decided to temporarily disable ratings for 'Scream 7' on its platform until the discussions surrounding the film settle. This move highlights the growing sensitivity and contentiousness around entertainment media in relation to global political issues, as studios navigate public opinion in an increasingly polarized world.