Movies

Candace Cameron Bure reacts to backlash after GAF’s anti-gay remarks

November 16, 2022

Candace Cameron Bure reacts to the backlash. Earlier this week, the actor, who is the creative director of Great American Family, told “WSJ. Magazine” that the network will not feature LGBTQ couples, noting, “I think Great American Family will keep the traditional marriage at heart,” she said.

CEO Bill Abbott added: “It’s definitely 2022, so we’re aware of the trends. There is no whiteboard that says “Yes, that” or “No, we will never go here”.

On Wednesday, Bure responded to widespread criticism of his remarks in a lengthy statement:

“I would like to address my comments on the programming of Great American Family as reported in “The Wall Street Journal”. everyone. It absolutely breaks my heart that anyone would think that I would intentionally want to offend and hurt someone. It saddens me that the media often seeks to divide us, even around such a heartwarming and joyful topic. than Christmas movies. But, given the toxic climate in our culture right now, I shouldn’t be surprised. We need Christmas more than ever,” she wrote. “I am a devoted Christian . Which means I believe that every human being bears the image of God. Because of this, I am called to love everyone, and I do. If you know me, you know that I am a person who loves fiercely and indiscriminately My heart yearns to build bridges and bringing people closer to God, loving others well and simply being a reflection of God’s immense love for all of us.

She continued, “To those members of the media responsible for using this opportunity to fan the flames of conflict and hatred, I have a simple message: I love you anyway. To those who hate what I appreciate and who attack me online: I love you. To those who attempted to assassinate my character: I love you. To anyone reading this, of any race, creed, sexuality, or political party, including those who have tried to intimidate me with name calling, I love you.

“I have long wanted to find a home for more faith-based programming. I am grateful to be part of a young and growing network. I had also expressed in my interview, which was not included, that people of all ethnicities and identities have and will continue to contribute to the network in tremendous ways, in front of and behind the camera, which I fully encourage and support. . I have never been interested in proselytizing through my stories, but in celebrating the greatness of God in our lives through the stories I tell.

The God we serve is an extremely creative and loving God. He didn’t just capture a small part of my heart, He captured my whole heart. It will be reflected in everything I do and say; in my family, my work, and my interactions with people from all walks of life, God’s love and God’s compassion are at the forefront. It all comes from the LOVE that God himself showered on humanity when he offered joy and forgiveness on the first morning of Christmas 2000 years ago. That’s why I love Christmas stories and sharing true joy and true peace with millions of people around the world. And with the sole motivation of pure love, I hope you will join me in sharing God’s hope for the whole world this Christmas season. Call it my Christmas wish.

Bure starred in dozens of holiday movies over the years for Hallmark Channel before coming out in April and followed former Hallmark CEO Abbott to GAF. Now, she says, her old home “is a completely different network than where I started because of the change in management.”

“My heart wants to tell stories that have more meaning, purpose and depth behind them,” she continued. “I knew the people behind Great American Family were Christians who loved the Lord and wanted to promote religious programs and good family entertainment.”

In September, Bure spoke to Variety in-depth about the move and whether the network would be diverse and inclusive — both in telling LGBTQ+ stories but also in celebrating different faiths, not just Christian holidays.

“This year, we are absolutely focused on Christmas. I’m sure the channel is still creating content, that will include other holidays, but I think we know the target audience and what they like, that’s exactly how Bill originally built the Hallmark channel and it was Christmas and that traditional holiday and so that’s what the focus will be,” she said at the time. ” You have to start somewhere. You can’t do everything at once.

When asked if there have been any conversations about gay stories, she told us, “We haven’t specifically had those discussions. It’s not entirely up to me, because there’s a board that’s behind all these decisions, but of course we’ll talk about it. And you know, we’ll see. We’ll see how it goes.