Matthew Lillard Speaks Out at Halloween Screening
Actor Matthew Lillard made headlines over the weekend during a special screening of the 1996 horror classic Scream at Cinespia’s Halloween party. Lillard, known for his role as Stu, unexpectedly joined the event and encouraged attendees to “lead with love.”
“ICE is messed up,” he shared with an enthusiastic audience, who responded with cheers. “In this day and age, we need to choose love over everything else. Let’s remember that. It’s not just about politics; it’s about being really political,” he added.
Lillard also used the moment to promote Proposition 50, a measure aimed at redrawing California’s electoral districts and eliminating five Republican seats established in Texas. “You gotta vote. If we don’t, we decline as a society. It’s our responsibility. And if that doesn’t sit well with you, well, I’m not too sorry,” he concluded.
Interestingly, Lillard is set to return to the Scream franchise, though his specific role remains under wraps. This comes after a controversial incident involving actress Melissa Barrera, who was let go from the series after accusing Israel of committing genocide.
Barrera had previously expressed concern on social media, likening the situation in Gaza to a concentration camp. “You’re putting people in a corner, with no electricity, no water… It’s like history repeating itself, and people are still just watching,” she stated.
The Hollywood Reporter highlighted that Barrera starred in the 2022 installment of Scream, which successfully introduced the series to a new generation, grossing $137.7 million globally.
In response to Barrera’s remarks, Spyglass, the film’s production company, issued a statement strongly condemning her post. A representative noted, “We have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism or any speech inciting hatred, including genocide or ethnic cleansing.”
As Scream 7 gears up for release, fans of Barrera have vocalized their discontent over her absence. This sentiment coincided with the debut of the film’s trailer, amplifying the ongoing discussions surrounding her firing.
