{
  "id": 7860031,
  "title": "Matthew Lillard Feels ‘Ashamed’ He Returned for ‘Scream 7’ After Melissa Barrera Firing: ‘I’m on the Wrong Side of History’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/matthew-lillard-feels-ashamed-he-returned-for-scream-7-after-melissa",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T20:07:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/matthew-lillard-ashamed-returned-scream-7-melissa-barrera-fired/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Matthew Lillard expressed feeling \"ashamed\" about his decision to return for \"Scream 7\" following the firing of Melissa Barrera for her pro-Palestine statements. During a Q&A following a screening of \"Scream\" for the 30th anniversary of the horror film, Lillard was asked about his role as a public figure and the challenges that come with it. Lillard passionately discussed Barrera's firing, stating that he felt \"ashamed\" and \"embarrassed\" for not standing by her side. He acknowledged that he was so eager to return to the movie that he didn't consider the situation with Barrera. Lillard emphasized that he is \"on the wrong side of history\" for his decision and expressed regret for not supporting her.",
  "summary": "\"I didn’t say no. I’m embarrassed; that’s the truth,\" he adds The post Matthew Lillard Feels ‘Ashamed’ He Returned for ‘Scream 7’ After Melissa Barrera Firing: ‘I’m on the Wrong Side of History’ appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Matthew Lillard feels ashamed for returning for Scream 7 after Melissa Barrera's firing.",
    "Lillard expressed embarrassment for not standing by Melissa Barrera during the controversy.",
    "Lillard acknowledges he is on the wrong side of history for his decision."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Variety",
        "title": "Matthew Lillard Says ‘I Feel Ashamed’ for Acting in ‘Scream 7’ After Melissa Barrera Got Fired: ‘I Blew That. I’m on the Wrong Side of History’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/matthew-lillard-says-i-feel-ashamed-for-acting-in-scream-7-after",
        "published": "2026-09-16T21:34:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}