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Almost a year after her exit from the Scream franchise, Melissa Barrera is opening up about what the experience has taught her. In a conversation about her new movie Your Monster (in theaters now), Melissa exclusively told Brit + Co she feels like a whole different person than she was last year.
After posting about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict in November of 2023, Melissa was fired from Scream 7 (production company Spyglass later told Variety in a statement they believed her comments "[crossed] the line into hate speech.")
- Melissa Barrera opens up about life after last year's Scream controversy.
- She says she's "grateful" she "survived" the experience, "and that I'm stronger for it."
- The actress also reveals she's focusing on how to make the industry and the world "better and safer for everyone."
Brownie Harris/Paramount Pictures
"I definitely feel like a changed person," the In The Heights actress tells B+C. "I definitely feel like my priorities are completely different than they were a year ago. I see the world through different eyes now, I see people through different eyes. I see the industry through different eyes, and I'm so grateful for that."
While the experience — and the fact the experience was so public — was difficult, Melissa says she's come out better on the other side. "I'm so grateful for everything that I went through, even though it was really hard, I'm so grateful that I lived it and that I survived it, and that I'm stronger for it," she continues. "And that I know I have a focus of what I wanna keep doing, not just for me and my career, but like, how can I contribute to the industry and to the world to make it better and safer for everyone?"
- YouTube
- YouTubeThe end of the year brings plenty of reflection, whether you're someone who thrives on journal prompts or you prefer to yap over a bottle of wine with your best friend. But a viral Sundance interview from January, in which Melissa Barrera says the experience with Spyglass started helping her "finally figure out who I'm supposed to be," proves she's been reflecting all year long.
"Everybody's kind of like thinking of like, 'What does the future hold? Like, how do we make it better?' And I have been thinking that for a year," she says. "There's people that have actually been on this journey for way longer, and it's them that we should be thanking for our world not being like over with right now, you know? They're the ones that continue to make changes for the better and to fight for better things for all of us."
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After Melissa Barrera's exit from Scream, news broke that Jenna Ortega wouldn't return for the seventh installment. Melissa called Jenna a "good egg" in a January interview with Rolling Stone, and gave Brit + Co some insight into that viral video of the onscreen sisters laughing during Scream 6 press.
"I was so sick during the whole press," she says. "We were laughing because I would start choking on my cough, so it was hilarious — or I would start laughing and it would make me cough and then I couldn't stop. So yeah, we were laughing a lot during that press run because I was sick as a dog."
Okay, I need these two in a sister comedy ASAP.
You can see Melissa Barrera in Your Monster now, and watch Scream and Scream 6 on Paramount+.
I can totally understand falling for a costar. One scene gazing into each other's eyes, and (as the kids say), I'd be asking, "What are we?" Zendaya & Tom Holland and Ashley Park & Paul Forman both met on the sets of their most famous projects (Spider-Man and Emily in Paris, in case you were wondering), and this year's biggest movie event also features a brand new celebrity couple: Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater.
The co-stars made headlines when they ended their respective marriages and started dating each other, and Ethan Slater finally spoke out on the response to their relationship. Here's what he had to say, and the latest news on this couple.
- Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater met on the set of Wicked, in theaters November 22.
- The couple made headlines when they started dating the same month they separated from their respective spouses.
- In a recent interview, Ethan Slater reveals the reaction to their relationship was "really hard."
Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's Full Relationship Timeline
Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon
Late 2022 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Meet While Filming Wicked
After Ariana and Ethan were both cast in Jon M. Chu's Wicked, the movie began filming in early December. Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, while Ethan Slater got the role of Boq, one of Glinda's Shiz University classmates.
March 27, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Were "All Over Each Other"
Ariana and Ethan reportedly could get enough of each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscars party. A source told The Daily Mail later that summer that "They were seen making out at a pub in Hampstead, and they were all over each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscar party."
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July 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Split From Their Partners And Start Dating
News of Ariana's split from her then-husband Dalton Gomez broke on July 17, while TMZ also reported Ethan filed for divorce from his wife at the time, Lilly Jay, on July 26. (Ariana and Dalton ended up filing for divorce in September).
After People reported Ariana and Ethan were now in a relationship of their own, Lilly told Page Six that “[Ariana’s] the story, really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage.” However, other sources claim Lilly and Ethan had been separated for a couple months before his relationship with Ariana started.
August 2, 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Are Moving Fast
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly fell head over heels so quickly, their friends were telling them to pump the breaks. “Ariana’s been told it’s too soon to go public with him and to take things slower,” said an Us Weekly insider at the time. “She’s very aware of how she’s perceived by her fans, and she’s trying to be mature. [But] if it were up to her, she’d be seen with him tomorrow.”
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September 4, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Are Learning How To Balance Their Relationship
Sources told People at the beginning of September that the costars and couple are trying to figure out how to balance their relationship with their celebrity.
“While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public,” a friend of the couple says. “They are just trying to navigate their new relationship in private."
Another reemphasizes that Ariana and Ethan only started dating after they were separated from their spouses, while a third adds, “They are doing their best to balance the fact that they are in the public eye with the desire to be respectful to all parties involved.”
September 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Go To Disney World
Surrounded by their friends and family, the Wicked movie stars headed for a day at the happiest place on earth. "They went with a big group of friends as well her mom and brother," a source told People. The source also said they're "really happy and really good for each other. All of her friends love him."
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October 31, 2023 — Ariana Grande Supports Ethan Slater's Spamalot
Ariana Grande showed up to support her boyfriend for Spamalot's opening night at Broadway's St. James Theater.
December 23, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Grab Dinner In New York City
To celebrate the holidays, Ariana and Ethan headed out to a nice Italian dinner, reportedly with Ari's dad Ed Butera. "They love to support each other in their work," a source told People. "When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can."
Considering she's a musical girlie, and has been on Broadway herself, I totally believe Ariana heads to the theatre whenever she gets a chance!
December 28, 2023 — Ariana Grande Says She Feels "Deeply Misunderstood"
“I’ve never felt more at the mercy of and in acceptance of what life was screaming to teach me,” Ariana Grande said in an Instagram story. “I have never felt more pride or joy or love while simultaneously feeling so deeply misunderstood by people who don’t know me, who piece whispers together and make what they want out of me and their assumptions of my life.”
A source also told People that the popstar is “serious with Ethan. She loves being with him."
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
January 12, 2024 — Ariana Grande Releases "Yes, And?"
In a line heard 'round the world, Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" (the lead single from her Eternal Sunshine album) begs the question, "Why do you care so much whose d—k I ride?" The song doesn't mention Ethan by name, but there's a lot of room to infer.Although, when the album releases in March, Ariana also talks about a new "interaction" on “Intro (End of the World)," and wonders "if he’s judgin’ me like I am right now."
September 30, 2024 — Ariana Grande Defends Ethan Slater
In a Vanity Fair cover story, Ariana opened up about the reaction to her relationship with Ethan Slater, revealing that “the most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of [the story]."
“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she says. “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about. There is no one on this earth with a better heart...I’m 31 years old and I’m not a perfect person, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming. I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good.”
Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Lucille Lortel Theatre
October 30, 2024 — Ethan Slater Finally Speaks Out About His Relationship With Ariana Grande
Almost two years after meeting Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater finally opened up about their relationship in a new interview with GQ. “Obviously, it was a really super big year and I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public," he says. "There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening, so it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love. So just to address that part of it, that feels really hard."
But the clouds also came with silver linings. “Of course, it was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I’m just really excited," he continues. "I’m just really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this. She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”
Check back here for the latest news on this Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's relationship! Read up on Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce while you're at it ;).
We love our families, we really do, but one of the best parts of growing up is getting to make yourself a new friend-family to celebrate with, whether it's your college buddies or the group you do happy hour with after work. Think Galentines Day and, our more timely fave, Friendsgiving. Whether you're looking forward to Turkey Day at your in-laws' or not, you can always count on your squad for a killer festive time, especially with these 19 Friendsgiving ideas.
Share The Wealth
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One of the most stressful things about big holiday dinners is the pressure to host the whole thing, from prep to table. You need production calendars, ideally a second oven, and three extra sets of hands. Not so with Friendsgiving! You roast the bird and let your buds bring the rest, potluck-style. Then, let them go around the table and present their dish. Make them really sell it and brag about their sweet cooking skills.
Game of Football or Soccer
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If you want to take inspiration from an episode of Friends, a game of football or soccer is always a good idea. Just don't let things get *too* competitive!
Go For a Walk
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Nothing makes you feel better after a heavy meal than going for a walk. Whether it be a beach, a park, or just around the neighborhood, grab your friends and walk and talk.
Caravan Draw Together Thanksgiving Set
Brit + Co
Print out an epic tablecloth that you can color in, or just put butcher paper, crayons, and paints on the table and let your friends go to town decorating. We bet they wouldn’t even be opposed to making turkeys with their handprints.A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
IMDB
Age is just a number, and the Peanuts gang will live in our hearts forever. Watch the movie on the big screen with all your friend and reminisce about Thanksgivings from your younger days.Macy's Parade Drinking Game
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When it comes to the Macy’s parade, some things are a given: There will be a marching band from the Midwest, there will be floats, and there will likely be some country star wearing a cowboy hat. Lay out the rules, and then get ready to do some pre-dinner drinking. If you want to save that valuable stomach real estate for food, make it a workout game rather than a drinking game. Think jumping jacks, burpees, and plank (while you’re doing that, we’ll be in the corner, thank you very much).
Card Games
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If you’re too full to swing a stick around, board games or card games are always a safe bet. Maybe playing Cards Against Humanity might seem slightly wrong on this most thankful of days, but we do promise that it will be fun. You can even get in the spirit of the upcoming season by adding in the Holiday Pack.
Potluck Dessert
Invite each guest to bring a family favorite, provide toppings (hello, whipped cream), and dig in.
Booze Tasting
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If you consider yourself a connoisseur of a certain elixir, there’s no better time to show off than the holidays. Pick the perf wine to go with your turkey, showcase the beer you’ve been brewing, or tell the crew a thing or two about whiskey.
Gratitude List
Unlike birthday wishes, you can totally tell people what you’re thankful for. In fact, sharing in your gratitude on a group list is a great way to discover what else you may be grateful for.
To-Go Pie
Have your guests help assemble the containers so that at the end of the night everyone gets to bring a slice or two (or three) home.
Thanksgiving Bingo
This fun printable is a great place to start, but if your squad has their own particularities, you may want to create your own. Suzie gets sloshed on rosé? Check. Tom quotes Charlie Brown? Check.
Giant Dominos
Set up lawn games.You can easily play an outdoor version of dominoes while sipping a cocktail in your Turkey Day best, or just watch everyone else run around the yard.
Appetizers
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You don’t need to wait until the afternoon to celebrate Turkey Day. Starting the festivities with some out of the ordinary thanksgiving treats before you all head to your dinners is a great way to say you’re thankful for each other.
Photo Area
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Instead of one big awkward photo, you can take all the cute photos you want in a designated photo area. DIY an ombre leaf wall and bring in some fun props like a turkey leg, wishbones, and more!
Have dessert outside
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While having your entire Thanksgiving feast probably isn't feasible, take some of the fun outside when it comes to dessert! This allows you to get some fresh air, put on your cutest chunky sweater, and enjoy the fall weather.
Decorate Cookies
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This activity is fun and tasty! What could be better than that? Play some music, light some fall-scented candles, and watch everyone have a blast.
Gossip Girl Thanksgiving Episode Marathon
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Arguably the best Thanksgiving episodes come from Gossip Girl! Queue them all up and sit back and watch all the drama unfold.
Make Hot Chocolate
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Nothing is cozier than hot chocolate! Put on a holiday movie, distribute hot chocolate, and have a great time.
If you need ideas for your menu, check out our easy and affordable Friendsgiving recipes!
This post has been updated.