AUSTIN, Texas — September 17, 2026 — Actor Matthew Lillard has publicly expressed regret over his decision to return for Scream 7, saying he feels “ashamed” after Melissa Barrera was fired from the franchise for her comments supporting Palestine.
Speaking during a Q&A at a 30th anniversary screening of the original 1996 Scream film in Austin, Lillard addressed the difficulty actors face when speaking on political issues.
“Melissa Barrera, who’s a beautiful actor, was fired for what she said after the whole Palestinian — what started happening in Israel,” Lillard said. “It’s really f***ing bulls**t and really hard, and she’s on the right side of history.”
He continued that when people start coming after your job, “sometimes things are worth it.” Lillard noted that Barrera was “a year early” on the issue and that the world should have spoken up for her.
“I went back to do Scream, and I got called out,” he admitted. “And I’m like, ‘Oh, f***. That’s brutal.’ I feel bad about that. I feel ashamed about that. Because in that moment I was so excited to go back, I didn’t really think about Melissa and that journey. I didn’t say no. I’m embarrassed. That’s the truth… I blew that. I’m on the wrong side of history for that.”
Lillard still said he enjoys being in the movie but acknowledged it “may not have been the best idea.”
Barrera was removed from the lead role in late 2023 after social media posts about the Israel-Hamas conflict that Spyglass Media Group called antisemitic — a claim she has denied. She had starred as Sam Carpenter in the 2022 and 2023 Scream reboots.
Lillard, known for playing Stu Macher in the original film, returned for the seventh installment earlier this year.
The comments, captured on fan video and widely shared, have reignited discussion about free speech, Hollywood decisions, and the responsibilities of public figures.
Shivam Das News will continue following this developing story.
