SCREAM 7 Star Anna Camp Apologizes After Sharing Post Taking Aim at Boycott and Critics
The conversation around Scream 7 has been messy, and now one of its stars has found herself stepping into that storm. Anna Camp, who plays Jessica in the latest installment of the long-running horror franchise, issued a public apology after sharing a social media post celebrating the film’s box office success while taking shots at critics and boycotters.
The sequel, which recently slashed its way into theaters, has pulled in nearly $100 million globally and set franchise records despite divisive reactions and a 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes. But the road to that number has been anything but smooth.
On March 1, Camp reposted a message to her Instagram Story that read: “The boycott didn't work. The critic hate didn't work. The pathetic leaks didn't work. What worked with audiences coming out and making the film a success.”
The original post went further, referring to the boycott as a “smear campaign” that has “ranged from annoying to harassment, and horrible folks leaking clips of the film before release trying to spoil the movie.” It added that the film’s box office performance was “sweet like justice.”
Some fans felt the tone of the message was dismissive and insensitive, especially toward those who have chosen to boycott the film. The backlash came quickly, with critics arguing that the repost mocked people who were protesting the movie’s production history.
Camp responded on X shortly after. She wrote, “It has come to my attention that I reposted someone else’s story that does not reflect my personal beliefs. I have since deleted the repost because I absolutely meant no harm. I’m sorry to anyone who was affected.”
The boycott stems from Spyglass firing Scream 5 and Scream 6star Melissa Barrera in 2023 after she posted pro-Palestine messages on social media. Before that decision, Barrera was set to return for Scream 7 alongside Jenna Ortega and other surviving cast members from Scream 6.
Following Barrera’s exit, Ortega also left the project, and director Christopher Landon departed as well. The film ultimately underwent a major creative overhaul, including a new script and a new director in franchise veteran Kevin Williamson, who previously wrote the original Scream.
In solidarity with Barrera, some fans encouraged others to skip the movie in theaters. There were also reports of spoilers circulating online, including plot details tied to Camp’s character, Jessica, a local mom and one of Sidney’s closest friends.
Despite the online tension, Scream 7 has found its audience at the box office. Whether that success will quiet the controversy is another question entirely. For now, the film is playing in theaters, and the conversation around it clearly isn’t done yet.