# Scream star admits shame over sequel return

> Scream actor Matthew Lillard admits feeling ashamed for returning to franchise after Melissa Barrera was fired for anti-Israel comments.
- Title: Scream star admits shame over sequel return · Fox News
- Summary: Scream actor Matthew Lillard admits feeling ashamed for returning to franchise after Melissa Barrera was fired for anti-Israel comments. Scream actor Matthew…
- Keywords: matthew lillard, melissa barrera, scream vii, spyglass, israel, gaza, anti-israel, hollywood, free speech, fox news, news, politics
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/media/scream-star-admits-ashamed-sequel-return-actress-fired-anti-israel-comments
- Author: CJ Womack
- Published: 2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: matthew lillard, melissa barrera, scream vii, spyglass, israel, gaza, anti-israel, hollywood, free speech, fox news, news, politics
## Matthew Lillard's regret
Matthew Lillard says he feels ashamed for returning to Scream after Melissa Barrera was fired.

> I feel bad about that. I feel ashamed about that.
## Melissa Barrera's firing
Melissa Barrera was dropped from Scream after sharing anti-Israel social media posts.

> Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp
## Barrera's comments
Barrera called Israel's actions in Gaza genocide and ethnic cleansing.

> THIS IS GENOCIDE & ETHNIC CLEANSING
## Spyglass response
Spyglass said Barrera's comments were antisemitic and they removed her.

> We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate
## Lillard defends Barrera
Lillard says Barrera was right and the world didn't support her.

> She’s on the right side of history
## Scream 7 success
Scream 7 grossed $200 million globally, becoming franchise's highest-grossing film.

> Scream 7 crossed $200 million at the global box office
## Hollywood criticism
Hollywood editor says Lillard regrets his comments and questions his knowledge.

> Will he give all the money back?
## Key takeaway

Scream actor Matthew Lillard says he feels ashamed for returning to the franchise after Melissa Barrera was fired over anti-Israel social media posts.