Great American Family actor Neal Bledsoe has announced that he is stepping down from the network following recent comments from Chief Creative Officer Candace Cameron Bure and CEO Bill Abbott.
The 41-year-old, who starred in the 2021 holiday movie “The Winter Palace” and this year’s “Christmas at the Drive-In” for Great American Family, explained in a lengthy statement to Variety that he had decided to leave after The comments by Bure and Abbott on LGBTQ+ representation in the network’s films.
“As an artist, I long to be proud of the work I create.But the thought that my work could be used to intentionally discriminate against someone terrifies and infuriates me,” he said.
“I hope GAF will change, but until everyone can be proudly represented in their films, my choice is clear.
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“I look forward to working with creators who put no boundaries on the stories we tell and who embrace their message of values with open arms.”
Last month, Bure sparked controversy when she told The Wall Street Journal that GAF will not feature same-sex couples in its holiday films.
“I think Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at its heart,” the 46-year-old actress said in an interview published Nov.14.
“It’s definitely the year 2022, so we’re aware of the trends,” Abbott told WSJ in the interview.“There’s no whiteboard that says, ‘Yes, this’ or ‘No, we’re never going here.’”
The comments drew criticism from celebrities including JoJo Siwa, Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Bledsoe referenced both Bure’s and Abbott’s comments in his statement when he explained why he had not advertised “Christmas at the Drive-In.” The actor starred opposite Danica McKellar in the film, which premiered on November 25.
He also stars in the upcoming CBS holiday movie “Must Love Christmas” with “The Equalizer’s” Lisa Lapira.
On Oct.14, Bledsoe shared an Instagram post promoting both movies, with the caption, “What I tell my haters when I casually dominate Christmas TV.”
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“You may have noticed that I am unusually quiet at a time when I should have been promoting a holiday movie, one with the express purpose of bringing comfort to all in a time of great turmoil and change, but I cannot go on with business as usual,” the “A Soldier’s Revenge” star said in his statement.
“I cannot take comfort in, nor shall I give refuge to, those who excuse exclusion and promote division in any way,” he added.“Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, and these are mine: The recent comments from the Great American Family leadership are hurtful, wrong and reflect an ideology that prioritizes judgment over love.
“I was raised Christian and believe in the essential message of love and forgiveness.That said, I could never forgive myself for continuing my relationship with a network that actively chooses to exclude the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Following the backlash, Bure issued a lengthy statement on Nov.
16, saying in part, “It absolutely breaks my heart that anyone would ever think I would deliberately want to offend and hurt anyone.
It saddens me that the media often tries to divide us, even around a subject as comforting and joyful as christmas movies,” she added.“But given the toxic climate in our culture right now, I shouldn’t be surprised.
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“We need Christmas more than ever.I am one devoted Christian.Which means I believe that every human being bears the image of God.That is why I am called to love all people, and I do.”
In his statement, Bledsoe said he felt compelled to distance himself from Great American Family because of his strong ties to the LGBTQ community.
“My life wouldn’t be where it is without the love, support and guidance of the LGBTQIA+ community,” said the “Ugly Betty” alum.“From my college mentors to the countless agents and managers, writers and directors, teachers and colleagues, and of course my dear friends and family, all of whom have influenced my life, I owe them a great deal.
“As someone who, as a young man, struggled with our society’s extremely narrow definition of masculinity, it was their community that offered me a refuge and a guiding light when my life felt lost.
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“And now, if I can’t stand up for that community in their time of need, my debt to them means nothing.
So I want to be very clear: My support for the LGBTQIA+ community is unconditional – nothing is worth my silence or their ability to live and love freely in a world we get to share with them.”
Bledsoe concluded his statement by pledging to make a donation to True Colors United, the non-profit organization for the homeless of LGBTQ youth, adding: “If these words have any resonance with you, I hope you’ll join me .”
Representatives for Bure and Great American Family did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment..
