Jenna Ortega: Hollywood's "Politically Correct" Culture Stifles Honesty and Integrity

Jenna Ortega, the rising star known for her roles in "Scream" and "Wednesday," has spoken out against what she perceives as a stifling "politically correct" culture in Hollywood. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actress expressed concerns that the industry's emphasis on avoiding controversy often leads to a lack of authenticity and a loss of personal integrity.

Ortega's comments come in the wake of her departure from the "Scream" franchise last year. She left the film just one day after her co-star, Melissa Barrera, was dismissed from the project due to social media posts relating to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. While Ortega cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for her exit, her interview suggests a deeper unease with the industry's approach to sensitive issues.

"The business that we work in is so touchy-feely," Ortega told Vanity Fair. "Everybody wants to be politically correct, but I feel like, in doing that, we lose a lot of our humanity and integrity, because it lacks honesty."

She went on to express a longing for open dialogue and a more nuanced approach to contentious topics. "I wish that we had a better sense of conversation," she said. "Imagine if everyone could say what they felt and not be judged for it and, if anything, it sparked some sort of debate, not an argument."

Barrera's dismissal from "Scream 7" followed a series of social media posts where she voiced support for Palestine, accusing Israel of "genocide and ethnic cleansing." She also reposted an excerpt from Jewish Currents magazine that critiqued the use of the Holocaust to bolster the Israeli arms industry.

In a statement to Variety, Spyglass Media Group, the film's producer, declared a "zero tolerance" policy for antisemitism and incitement of hate in any form, including "false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech."

Following Barrera and Ortega's departures, "Scream 7" underwent a significant overhaul, bringing back long-time franchise star Neve Campbell to lead the film. Ortega's work in the "Beetlejuice" franchise continues with the upcoming "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," Tim Burton's long-awaited sequel set for release in September.

Ortega's candid comments about Hollywood's cultural landscape raise important questions about the balance between inclusivity and freedom of expression. Her reflections highlight the challenges of navigating a world where political correctness can sometimes stifle honest conversations and genuine personal expression.