Jenna Ortega leaves the ‘Scream’ franchise in solidarity with Melissa Barrera

Jenna Ortega steps away from the Scream saga in support of Melissa Barrera after her controversial dismissal for defending Palestine.

Actress Jenna Ortega has confirmed that her departure from the Scream franchise was not due to scheduling conflicts or salary issues, but rather in solidarity with her co-star Melissa Barrera, who was fired for expressing her support for Palestine. In a recent interview with The Cut, Ortega explained that the events surrounding Barrera caused a rift within the team, leading her to make the decision not to continue.

Barrera was removed from the project by Spyglass Media after posting social media messages related to the conflict in the Middle East. The company claimed to have a “zero tolerance for antisemitism or any incitement to hate,” sparking a major public controversy.

Ortega, also known for her leading role in the series Wednesday, stated that if Scream VII wasn’t going to feature the same team she felt connected to, it wouldn’t be a good decision for her career. Her departure, one day after Barrera‘s firing, was seen by many as an act of support and consistency with her values.

The decision has been widely discussed on social media, where Ortega has received support for her ethical and personal stance.