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Hallmark controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2019

    Hallmark Channel responds to withdrawal of same-sex couple ad

    Company response

    Hallmark Channel said it had made the wrong decision to pull a commercial showing a same-sex couple kissing, and said it was working to reinstate the ad. The company also stated its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

    Company response

    • Apology — Hallmark Channel

      Company officials say they made the wrong decision.

    • Remediation — Hallmark Channel

      Hallmark is said to be working to reinstate the controversial ad.

    • Clarification — Hallmark

      The company has released a statement saying it is committed to diversity and inclusion.

    Source excerpt

    • The Hallmark Channel is rethinking its decision to pull a commercial which showed a same-sex couple kissing. Company officials say they made the wrong decision.
    • The company has released a statement saying it is committed to diversity and inclusion.
    • Hallmark is said to be working to reinstate the controversial ad.
    Source

  2. 2019

    Hallmark reverses decision to pull Zola ad and announces steps

    Company response

    After backlash over pulling a Zola ad featuring a same-sex couple, Hallmark said the decision was wrong and that Hallmark Channel would contact Zola to reestablish the partnership and reinstate the commercials. Hallmark also said it would work with GLAAD to better represent the LGBTQ community across its brands.

    Stated objective. better represent the LGBTQ community across our portfolio of brands

    Company response

    • Remediation — Hallmark

      The Hallmark Channel will be reaching out to Zola to reestablish our partnership and reinstate the commercials.

    • Apology — Hallmark

      We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused

    Source excerpt

    • Hallmark has changed it's mind on pulling a same-sex ad after major backlash from everyone after the story broke that they pulled the Zola ad.
    • "Hallmark will be working with GLAAD [Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation] to better represent the LGBTQ community across our portfolio of brands," the statement continued. "The Hallmark Channel will be reaching out to Zola to reestablish our partnership and reinstate the commercials."
    • 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.
    Source