Hollywood actress Melissa Barrera has broken her silence after being let go from the upcoming Scream VII movie due to her remarks about Israel's actions in Gaza. In an Instagram post, Barrera expressed her condemnation of any form of prejudice, while highlighting the importance of using her platform to raise awareness and support those in need.

"As a Latina and a proud Mexicana, I feel a sense of responsibility to use my platform to advocate for the issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need," Barrera stated in her post. "Every person, regardless of their background, deserves equal human rights, dignity, and freedom."

Barrera's comments on social media, in which she referred to Israel's actions as "ethnic cleansing and genocide," sparked controversy and led to her dismissal from the highly anticipated Scream sequel. However, the actress asserted that she believes individuals should not be defined by their leadership, stating, "I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism."

The production company behind the Scream franchise, Spyglass, has a firm policy against antisemitism and hate speech. A spokesperson for the company emphasized their "zero tolerance" stance, stating, "We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech."

In her Instagram post, Barrera also shared her aspirations for peace and coexistence, expressing her prayers for an end to violence and further loss of life. She declared her commitment to continuing her activism, advocating for peace, safety, and the protection of human rights.

"I will continue to speak out for those who need it most," Barrera affirmed. "Silence is not an option for me."

Melissa Barrera's remarks and subsequent dismissal have ignited a broader conversation about the intersection of entertainment, activism, and freedom of speech. As the world grapples with divisive issues, Barrera's public statement serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility that celebrities have in shaping public discourse and advocating for social justice issues.