In a surprising turn of events, Hallmark has retracted several ads from Zola showcasing a same-sex couple sharing a kiss, following a petition from the conservative group, One Million Moms. This group urged Hallmark to reconsider airing commercials that include LGBTQ couples, asserting that the network was compromising its family-friendly image. They claimed to be “fed up with having the gay agenda crammed down our throats,” and their petition garnered over 25,000 signatures, prompting Hallmark to pull four of the six commercials in question.
According to reports, when Zola sought clarity on Hallmark’s decision, a representative stated that the company could not accept content considered “controversial,” specifically citing the “public displays of affection” in the ads. All four retracted commercials featured same-sex couples, while a heterosexual couple’s ad, which included a similar display of affection, continued to air.
Mike Tran, Zola’s chief marketing officer, remarked, “The only difference between the commercials that were flagged and the ones that were approved was that the commercials that did not meet Hallmark’s standards included a lesbian couple kissing.”