Across our brand, we will continue to look for ways to be more inclusive and celebrate our differences.
It is never Hallmarks intention to be divisive or generate controversy.
In a statement to EW, Zolas Chief Marketing Officer Mike Chi responded to Hallmarks apology.
However, it did not address why a similar Zola ad featuring a heterosexual couple kissing was left up.
Zola spoke out against the removal, saying it will no longer be advertising on the channel.
Celebrities and LGBTQ organizations like GLAAD also condemned the ads removal.
Celebrities likeEllen DeGeneres,Hilarie Burton Morgan, andWilliam Shatneralso criticized Hallmarkfor pulling the commercials.
Isnt it almost 2020?
theEllen Showhost tweeted, tagging the accounts for Hallmark Channel and its President and CEO Bill Abbott.
what are you thinking?
Id walk away again in a heartbeat.
The bigotry comes from the top and permeates the whole deal over there, she tweeted on Sunday.
Ive been loudly cheering for @lifetimetv all year because they heard my concerns + RALLIED!
You want inclusive Christmas magic?
!
