Hallmark CEO "truly sorry" about yanking same-sex wedding ads, vows to reinstate them after outcry

People

Hallmark Channel's decision last week to pull four Zola ads featuring two brides kissing, in response to the conservative group One Million Moms, drew outrage from GLAAD and many in the entertainment industry on Saturday, including Ellen DeGeneres, who tweeted to Hallmark: "Isn’t it almost 2020?...what are you thinking? Please explain. We’re all ears." GLAAD called for a boycott, calling Hallmark hypocritical after recently stating that it is "open" to LGBTQ holiday movies. Even rival Netflix weighed in, tweeting: "Titles Featuring Lesbians Joyfully Existing And Also It’s Christmas Can We Just Let People Love Who They Love." On Sunday night, Hallmark reversed course. “The Crown Media team has been agonizing over this decision as we’ve seen the hurt it has unintentionally caused. Said simply, they believe this was the wrong decision,” said Mike Perry, president and CEO, Hallmark Cards, Inc., in a statement. “Our mission is rooted in helping all people connect, celebrate traditions, and be inspired to capture meaningful moments in their lives. Anything that detracts from this purpose is not who we are. We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused." Also, the company clarified: “Hallmark will be reaching out to Zola to reestablish our partnership and reinstate the commercials.” Perry's statement added: “Across our brand, we will continue to look for ways to be more inclusive and celebrate our differences.” GLAAD responded to the news, tweeting: "You spoke out and @hallmarkchannel listened. LGBTQ people deserve to see ourselves represented on all TV networks. Thank you to everyone who raised your voices."