American actor Matthew Lillard, known for his participation in the iconic movie Scream (1996) and for giving life to Shaggy Rogers in the live action adaptations of Scooby-Doo, recently generated controversy after expressing strong criticism towards Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a meeting with fans.
The comment occurred during a special screening panel for Scream 7 fans, where the actor participated in a conversation about the saga and social issues. In the middle of the event, Lillard made reference to U.S. immigration policies, launching a statement that quickly went viral on social networks: “Fuck ICE,” said the performer, generating surprise and applause among part of the audience.
Immediately after, the actor expanded his message, explaining his position on the current situation in the country: “In these times, what we need is to lead with love,” he added, making clear his opposition to the reinforcement of anti-immigration measures promoted by conservative sectors.
In addition to his statement on ICE, Lillard took the opportunity to invite the public to participate in the upcoming local elections in California. In particular, he showed his support for the so-called “Proposition 50”, an initiative promoted by the Democratic Party that seeks to modify the distribution of seats in the state Congress, with the objective of achieving a more equitable representation.
“Yes on 50. You have to vote. If they don’t vote, we will go down,” Lillard said, urging attendees to get actively involved in democratic processes.
His comments generated mixed reactions on social networks: while some users celebrated his commitment to social and political causes, others criticized his stance, considering it inappropriate to mix activism with film promotion.
Political context and position of actor Matthew Lillard
Lillard’s statements come in a tense political climate in the United States, marked by the resurgence of demonstrations against the immigration policies promoted by former President Donald Trump and his supporters within the Republican Party.
The 54-year-old actor is no stranger to social causes. Throughout his career, he has expressed his support for inclusion and human rights movements, especially in favor of the LGBTQ+ community.
In a 2013 interview with NBC News, Lillard spoke about his friendship with Hunter Allen, a close friend who passed away and whose life, he said, inspired some of his characters. His empathy for diversity has also been reflected in the way he has approached his roles, promoting interpretive freedom for fans.
Matthew Lillard played Stu Macher, one of the original killers in Scream (1996), a film directed by Wes Craven. Although his character apparently dies at the end of the film, fans of the saga have speculated for years about his possible return, something that Lillard himself has fueled with humor and complicity.
The actor has shown openness to queer interpretations of his character, going so far as to refer to Stu and Billy Loomis (played by Skeet Ulrich) as “the first spouses of horror,” a phrase that has been widely celebrated within the fandom.
“I love that fans see Stu that way. They can reinterpret the story and take ownership of it,” he once commented, reaffirming his support for diverse representation in pop culture.
Lillard’s return to the franchise has generated excitement, especially after being confirmed for Scream 7, where he will reprise his role as the second Ghostface. However, his recent statements have raised concerns among fans, who fear that his political comments could have consequences within the production.
The controversy also comes in a delicate context for the saga, following the dismissal of actress Melissa Barrera, who was removed from the project after publicly expressing her support for Palestine on social networks.
So far, neither the studio nor the production of Scream 7 have commented on Lillard’s words, although on social networks the debate continues between those who applaud her bravery and those who warn that Hollywood could consider her comments as a risky stance.
Beyond the controversy, Matthew Lillard has proven throughout his career to be a performer committed to his principles. His message, although controversial, seeks – in his own words – to “lead with love” in times of polarization.
With his confirmed return to the big screen, the actor is once again in the spotlight, both for his legacy in horror films and for his active voice on social and political issues that, once again, make him an artist willing not to be silent.
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