(Photo Source: Zola)
Hallmark apologizes for pulling same-sex Zola ad
Hallmark Channel is known for its annual lineup of holiday movies, but the network came under fire recently for pulling commercials by wedding planning site Zola that were “deemed controversial.” It seemed that Hallmark rejected the ads because they showed a lesbian couple kissing at the altar.
A spokesman for the channel said the lesbian couple’s P.D.A. violated its policies, however, people were quick to notice that Hallmark did not reject a similar ad when it featured a heterosexual couple.
A conservative group called One Million Moms petitioned the commercial, gathering 30,000 signatures and saying that it was a blow to the channel’s “family-friendly” reputation.
However, the decision to pull the ads did not sit well with LGBTQ advocates from GLAAD, who called it “discriminatory and especially hypocritical.” The advocacy group went on to say that it was a step backward for the brand amid growing representation of various sexual orientations in the media.
Hallmark has been receiving a lot of mixed criticism from the public as well, with the hashtag #BoycottHallmark trending on Twitter and celebrities like Bobby Berk from “Queer Eye” and country singer Chely Wright chastising the decision.
Hallmark Cards CEO Mike Perry said in the statement. “We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused.”
Zola said it would no longer advertise on the channel.
Now, in the midst of a PR crisis, Hallmark is trying to reestablish its partnership with the wedding planning site and reinstate the commercials. Perry said in a statement that the brand is looking for ways to be “more inclusive and celebrate” differences.
By: Maytinee Kramer
