Connect with us

News

32

Hallmark CEO Apologizes After Cable Network Pulled Zola’s Same-Sex Wedding Ad Sparking Controversy

By Michael Fairman

Published

on

Courtesy/Zola

On Sunday night, Hallmark Card president and CEO Mike Perry offered up an apology to wedding planner website Zola after the Hallmark Channel removed four commercials that featured a same-sex wedding.  See previous story here, and as many soap fans  several former favorites from daytime are hired as actors consistently by the network for their movies,

In a statement, Perry shared: “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. 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. … Across our brand, we will continue to look for ways to be more inclusive and celebrate our differences.”

Then, on the companies corporate website another statement was served up expressing:  “That is is, and always has been, committed to diversity and inclusion — both in our workplace as well as the products and experiences we create. It is never Hallmark’s intention to be divisive or generate controversy. We are an inclusive company and have a track record to prove it.”

That post talked about how the company has LGBTQ greeting cards, and goes on to say how the company has been recognized as one of the Human Rights Campaigns Best Places to Work, and as one of Forbes America’s Best Employers for Diversity.   You can read that statement in full here.

GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis said on the the reinstatement of the ads: “The Hallmark Channel’s decision to correct its mistake sends an important message to LGBTQ people and represents a major loss for fringe organizations, like One Million Moms, whose sole purpose is to hurt families like mine. LGBTQ people are, and will continue to be a part of advertisements and family programming and that will never change. GLAAD exists to hold brands like The Hallmark Channel accountable when they make discriminatory decisions and to proactively ensure families of all kinds are represented in fair and accurate ways.”

So, what do you think about Hallmark’s apology? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

32 Comments

32 Comments
oldest
newest

Hallmark knew they would lose viewers, so finally they made the right decisions. I still find there shows cheesy and terrible acting. Lol

Recognizing a grave error, apologizing for it and overturning the decision is the perfect response. Hallmark.

So Disappointed in there decision.If the ads come back no more Hallmark channel in our home and guess will get lower cable bill.Disconnecting from all channels with no family morals.

My husband, son and I have family values, just like all LGBTQ people.

So I guess that means FAUX Noize will also be off your TV? How many perverts have been fired from that channel? Including the former boss, Roger Ailes.

I’ll give you three guesses where he is right now.

Yeah, gimme soaps with REAL “family morals”! I wanna see upstanding folks like Baby-snatching Thomas plotting to bring down those he thinks wronged him! Show me pics of Rey’s niece from his ex-wife Mia’s affair with his brother Arturo! And I just gotta find out if little Violet (conceived out of wedlock with Papa Finn) will ever notice her mother abandoned her. You mean THOSE “family morals?”….

I suggest you stay with the old 60’s tv series where divorce, LGBTQ, children before marriage, women working outside the home etc were never discussed. In other words, a sanitized version of real life.

you mean you actually watch all the commercials? Most people skip thru them or leave the room.

Hallmark should have discussed this more thoroughly before acting on it.

I dont mind the commercials – Im guessing dont have drug co ads or erectile dysfunction ads – both of those kinds of ads I could do without. ha

So the heterosexual family with an abusive alcoholic father is okay to see, but not the loving, non-violent lesbians? Love that morality.

The Hallmark Channel caters the seniors..
”Hallmark has an older audience — its median age is 58.6”
And seniors are not as open to same-sex as the younger are.
Seems Hallmark was catering to what they perceived the seniors would freak at, dunno.
It looks like the younger heard the news, read of it in social media
and acted on it..
Anyways- Hallmark isn’t going anywhere..
Its apology wasn’t necessary; they scare too easily.
then again most all do..
political correctness has become to be used as a weapon.

Su000…According to the ratings I’ve read Hallmarks fastest growing demos start at women 18 to 49+, even including men. Right now their ratings are very, very good compared to other major networks. And have been acknowledged as feel good, “traditional,” go-to tv compared to the real life and divisive politics, especially since 2016. Not that they don’t need some updating in their formula. Just wish Facebook would axe the “fake news” political ads from unfriendly counties/groups that they accept. But it seems the money is just too good.

Hallmark needed to be updated years ago!

I really thought that Hallmark was a better company than this.I for one do not want to see same sex anything forced in my face just because I love to watch TV. Whatever people do behind closed doors is between them and God, we should never have it forced on us to watch. Yes, I am of the older generation and I do not agree that the almighty dollar should take precedence over what is morally right. I will be looking for another channel to watch my movies on and will never Grace the hallmark cards section. This company knows right from wrong but they’ve chosen the latter.If your cards promote the same of children and women for millions of dollars,how would you handle that? I am very disappointed, goodbye Hallmark!

Earlene…I guess that means you don’t watch General Hospital because of the Brad and Lucas storyline?

Yet you are willing to force your religious beliefs on the rest of us

Anne…this has nothing to do with forcing my religious beliefs on anyone. And you don’t even know what they are. But when there are things on tv I don’t want to watch, and there are some, I mute, or switch channels until they pass. Just wish I could do the same in some of our national political discourse. With all of that said I truly hope you have a nice holiday season.

Earline…you are not being forced to watch anything that goes on behind closed doors. There was absolutely NOTHING wrong with these commercials. Would you feel the same if it portrayed an inter-racial heterosexual couple? There is nothing wrong with love.

God bless you Earlene.

Including individuals like me and families like mine is not political correctness. WE are not going anywhere and companies that are looking to the future know that equality for all – and equal treatment/representation – is the future. Get over it.

Hallmark deciding not to bow to white supremacist, homophobic hate groups like One Million Moms is not political correctness. They were cowards to appeasing them in the first place. Get a clue.

Hi soapfan..
it wasn’t about bowing to white supremacist
it’s about caving in.. every time some group says; boycott
people jump to appease.
anyways.. the white supremacists should be happy,,
the Hallmark movies are nearly all-white actors
ever notice that??
((i don’t watch Hallmark but work people had mentioned
the movies are white peoples ..
one said;
it’s going to be a ”white” Christmas movie, again.

Im a very young 60 – dont consider senior until 70. But most older people that are uncomfortable with non hetros are much older than me, like my mom’s group which would be WWII crowd. Or they haven’t lived in larger population areas.

100 percent agree!

These are the worst movies, but this is good news.

These ads don’t bother me. I’m more for love than hate anyway. Haven’t seen these ads before. I wonder if Zola runs them on other networks?

I personally do not have a problem with gays or lesbians but I believe since Hallmark is family oriented that it should be more selective with what they show on television. Not everyone is on board with watching woman kissing each other or men kissing each other. We have children watching some of these movies and it is very confusing to them. To them this is not natural. So I have to elect not to watch these movies. It was a good move to do what they did.

On what basis do you say what is or what is not “natural”?

Believe me, as a long term observer of mortal humanity, I can promise you that there have been people of different orientations for a really long time. If you want to get biblical about it, don’t go with the Sodom & Gomorrah thing, because that story has been seriously misinterpreted. Not to mention that chapter ends with Lot getting drunk and doing really weird things with his own daughters. Now THAT is not natural!!

Try the story of young future king David & his relationship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, for example. Scripture says that their love for each other was greater than their love for women. And when old Saul found out about it, he accused poor Jon of being a “whore” just like his mama, and tried to gut his own son with a spear. Guess Saul was the founder of “One Million Moms” (yeah the current organization ain’t run by women either, nor do they have anything remotely close to a million members. But since when do FundaMENTALists tell the truth about anything??)

Children are taught hate, they are taught what is “unnatural.” They do not innately think that some people should kiss and others shouldn’t. They are not confused unless people like you confuse them. Also, not to make your brain explode or whatever, but lots of kids are LGBTQ. Shouldn’t they be able to see reflections of themselves on TV? For crying out loud, read a book. Read a pamphlet. Get a clue.

There ARE children being raised by same sex couples.

There is nothing wrong with any child witnessing LOVE. It should not be confusing. It is not natural TO YOU, you are teaching your children the same. Sad.

They realized the amount of money they were, and will continue to lose… They offer 2 – 3 Same sex cards, for any occasion/holiday. Plus, there was here an apology, they just agonized over the decision.

I was not happy when they pulled the ads. I had been seeing them already on other platforms and thought they were cute. I am glad they have seen the error of removing them and hope Zola will put them back on.

General Hospital

Could Justin Bruening Join ‘General Hospital’? Set Visit with Wife Alexa Havins Stirs Fan Hopes

Published

on

By

Justin Bruening and Alexa Havins

Several famous couples met on All My Children; one of which is Justin Bruening (ex-Jamie Martin) and Alexa Havins (ex-Babe Carey, now Lulu Spencer, GH). The two met on the soap and married back in 2005 and share four children together. Fast forward to 2026 and Havins, who is currently in the middle of Lulu’s legal battle with Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), received a visit from her hubby on the set of the ABC soap opera.

Bruening took to his Instagram to share his visit to Port Charles with a series of very cute photos of the couple, which then lead fans to hope that a Justin sighting could potentially lead to a role on the show!

Taking to his social media, the first photo was captioned, “I’m lost….Can someone point me in the direction of a good hospital?” Next, Justin selected a pic with himself and his wife, sharing, “Oh! Here’s someone! Lulu, you say? Hmmm….That’s weird…you look familiar. Have we met?” In a follow-up photo, Bruening commented, “You’re cute….. What are you going to do with the rest of your life? I’m thinking……… 4 kids? House in the burbs? 1,001 pets?”

Photo: JPI

FROM PINE VALLEY TO PORT CHARLES

Then, Bruening included a photo of himself in front of the photo of his former on-screen brother, Michael E. Knight (ex-Tad, AMC) who now plays Martin Grey on General Hospital.

Taking to the comment thread was Alexa Havins’ on-screen son, Finn Carr (Rocco Falconeri) who shared, “This is amazing!” In addition to many fans who now hope that Justin might one day soon join the cast of GH.

“Does this mean you’re coming on GH or just visiting your beautiful wife,”expressed one fan. Another wrote, “Ooh, any chance we’re getting a cameo? Tell Alexa she’s my fave on the show.” Another had a casting idea, “Make Justin Bruening a Dillon Quartermaine recast!”

Alexa Havins played Babe from 2003-2007 on the beloved ABC soap opera, while Bruening played Jamie from on and off from 2003-2011 when the series was canceled by ABC.

Since his days in Pine Valley, Bruening has appeared on primetime in series including, Ravenswood, Grey’s Anatomy, and Sweet Magnolias.

Justin recently wrapped The Other Side of the Window, a thriller where the loglines share: “CEO Elise Dufoe must work with unconventional allies to clear her name after her husband dies mysteriously and she is framed for financial crimes.” The feature is said to be in post-production.

So, did you love seeing Justin and Alexa together in the new pics? Would you like to see Justin land a role on GH? If so, who should he be cast as? Weigh-in via the comment section.

Continue Reading

News

Erika Slezak Fan Club Celebrates 55 Years with Special Note from Six-Time Daytime Emmy-Winning Icon and Expanded Website Content

Published

on

By

Erika Slezak

It’s a big week for fans of One Life to Live star Erika Slezak (ex-Viki). The six-time Daytime Emmy-winning star’s fan club turns an amazing 55-years-old under the constant care and development from Walter Miller.

To celebrate, there is so much more to see at ErikaSlezak.com, which includes a very heartfelt message and thank you’s from Erika herself; recalling how she met Miller and more and the start of the fan club back in 1971.

Erika expressed, “Hello to all my friends who have been with me now over 55 years. It’s absolutely amazing.  A charming and very young man approached me as I was leaving the studio during my first year on OLTL and asked me if he could start a fan club for me. I was very young as well and really knew nothing about fan clubs, etc., but he was so nice and sweet, so I thought, why not?”

The iconic actress went on to say, “And that was the beginning of a wonderful long friendship with Walter Miller, who has been so incredible in being in charge of the fan club and all that that requires. I am so grateful to him for all that he has done over the past 55 years and for our enduring friendship all these years.”

Overwhelmed by her loyal fans, who have been with her for decades, Slezak added, “I never dreamed that the club would last so long, and it is solely due to Walter and all the others who have contributed to the club and website — Angie Schneider, Kit Williams, Stephen Schofield, Vivian Mora-Robaina, Martha Julian, Mike Poirier, and so many others. Can’t quite believe that it has been so long — seems like yesterday. Thank you all for staying with us. And God bless!!”

Photo: ErikaSlezak.com

Now, ErikaSlezak.com has added dozens of new and updated links to rare videos, historical photographs, original newsletters, and treasured Fan Club memorabilia which includes:

Watch Erika Through the Years! The expanded Media section features decades of television appearances, interviews, rare videos, and special moments. Visit Emmy Awards to enjoy acceptance speeches and performance reels celebrating all six of Erika’s historic wins. And don’t miss Erika on General Hospital — 2025, featuring 61 video clips of her scenes as Ronnie Bard, plus photographs and interviews.

Rediscover One Life to Live! Explore Victoria Lord’s memorable storylines, including newly added links to original Fan Club newsletters covering Family Feud, Viki in Heaven, the Old West, Eterna, Viki’s Stroke, and Viki’s Heart. Visit Erika in Her Own Words for Erika’s own recollections preserved in the newsletters, and discover Agnes Nixon’s heartfelt messages in our Congratulatory Booklets.

Photo: JPI

Photographs, Clippings & Fan Memories! The reorganized Photo Gallery features improved decade collections, additional Lord family photographs, and wonderful new finds. The Clippings archive has grown to more than 500 newspaper and magazine items spanning six decades. Super Soap Weekend brings together Vivian Mora-Robaina’s memories, photographs, and ten video links! Our Fan Club Gatherings and Erika with Her Fans — Through the Years collections are now connected, making decades of memories easier to explore.

We Love Hearing From You! Visit the Comments page to tell about your favorite Erika or One Life to Live memory, and more.

A special thank you from Michael Fairman TV to Walter Miller for including some of our wonderful video interviews with Erika over the years! Make sure to check them out.

So, let us know, have you been a member of the Erika Slezak fan club throughout its 55 years? Have you checked out Erika’s website with all of its updated content? Miss seeing the iconic star on daytime? Hope she returns to GH as Ronnie one day soon? Let us know via the comment section.

Continue Reading

News

Y&R Adds Tetona Jackson as a Recast Roxanne and Fareed Ward as New Doctor in First Casting Hires Under Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor Writing Regime

Published

on

By

Tetona Jackson and Fareed Ward

There will be some fresh faces in Genoa City this fall when the character of Roxanne Barrington returns to town now played by Tetona Jackson, and Fareed Ward takes on the new role of Dr. Andrew Bishop.

The castings are the first revealed from The Young and the Restless’ new co-head writers, Jamey Giddens and Dan O’Connor, whose material begins airing November 11 on the CBS daytime drama series. TV Insider first broke the news.

The timing of a Roxanne return is intriguing since the original portrayer, Tatyana Ali is back in the pop culture zeitgeist currently competing for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars.

Tatyana and Devon

Photo: JPI

In story, Devon (Bryton James) and Roxanne were on-again off-again for several years from 2007-2013 until the character left town. Tatyana Ali actually picked up three consecutive NAACP Image Awards for her work on Y&R.

While a newcomer to daytime, Jackson has been a series regular on BET’s Boomerang, the CBS comedy series, Poppa’s House and had a recurring role in Freeform’s Good Trouble that also featured former General Hospital star, Bryan Craig (ex-Morgan Corinthos).

As for Fareed Ward, his new character of Dr. Andrew Bishop happens to be a medical colleague of Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic) and Stephanie Simmons (Vivica A. Fox). While Stephanie serves as chief of staff at Genoa City Memorial Hospital, Nate recently returned to medicine after undergoing surgery to repair a debilitating hand injury from an altercation with Devon.

Ward has appeared in several primetime series including: CBS’s CIA, FBI and S.W.A.T, the comedy series Will & Grace and Netflix’s Graveyard. He also had a stint on All My Children as a character named Larry.

Photo: CBS

Expectations are high for the the new co-head writing regime of two-time Daytime Emmy Outstanding Writing Team nominee, Jamey Giddens (for his work on Beyond the Gates and Days of our Lives), and for Dan O’Connor who at one time was the co-head writer of General Hospital and also known for his lengthy tenure at One Life to Live and more recently as part of the writing team at Days of our Lives.

It was back on July 29 that CBS and Y&R announced their replacements for the head writing gig after Josh Griffith decided to step down from the position he held since 2019.

So, what do you think about Y&R bringing back Roxanne and introducing us to a new doctor? Excited to see how they fold into Jamey and Dan’s stories? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

Continue Reading

Video Du Jour

Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

Recent Comments

Power Performance

Heather Tom

The Bold and the Beautiful

Airdate: 7-24-2026

Popular

32
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x