Star of “The Winter Palace” Neal Bledsoe, 41, is leaving Great American Family due to the comments made by Candace Cameron Bure concerning GAF making more of “Traditional Marriage” movies.
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The comment “I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core,” was made by Candace during her interview with the Wall Street Journal late last month. The comment was also seconded by CEO Bill Abbott who said that “spiritual or faith-based content is grossly underserved.”
After Candace and Abbott made those comments which somehow insinuated that the LGBTQIA+ community are not Christians, most stars supporting the LGBTQIA+ community showed their disagreement with the former Hallmark Channel actor.
Stars like JoJo Siwa who has had issues with the Full House alum, and General Hospital’s Vanessa Marcil who is a strong supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community, both shared their two pence on the issue.
Neal Bledsoe — Neal Bledsoe’s Reason For Leaving GAF
In a very lengthy statement made by the “Christmas at the Drive-In” actor and published by Variety, the actor boldly declared his support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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He sighted how the community has helped him all his life, especially as a growing young man who at one point he felt lost and confused.
“My life wouldn’t be where it is today without the love, support, and guidance of the LGBTQIA+ community. From my mentors in college, to the myriad of agents and managers, writers and directors, teachers and colleagues, and, of course, my dear friends and family, who have all touched my life, I owe them a great debt,”
“As someone who struggled as a young man with our society’s extremely narrow definition of masculinity, it was their community that provided me with refuge and a guiding light when my life felt lost.”
Neal went further to explain that having benefited so much from the LGBTQIA+ community, it would be terrible of him not to stand by them at this moment in time when the LGBTQIA+ community are been excluded and not allowed to live their lives as they wish.
“And now, if I cannot 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 that we are lucky enough to share with them.”
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Neal Bledsoe — Neal’s Leaving Statement
Speaking of Candace, and Abbott’s comment on Christianity, and the exclusion of LGBTQIA+ from their GAF movies, Neal said, “I cannot continue with business as usual. I cannot take comfort from, nor will I give refuge to, those who excuse exclusion and promote division in any way, shape, or form.”
Continuing, Neal said, “Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and these are mine: the recent comments made by leadership at Great American Family are hurtful, wrong, and reflect an ideology that prioritizes judgment over love.”
Neal also mentioned that he is a Christian who believes in love for one another therefore he wouldn’t continue working with GAF. “I was raised as a 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.”
“This is why the phrase ‘traditional marriage’ is as odious as it is baffling. Not simply wrong in its morality, it’s also a moot point, when you consider that most romantic movies don’t feature married couples at all, nor even weddings, but simply people meeting and falling in love.”
Neal rounded off his points with, “As an artist, I yearn to be proud of the work I create,” he shared. “But, the thought that my work could be used to deliberately discriminate against anyone horrifies and infuriates me. I hope GAF will change, but until everyone can be represented in their films with pride, my choice is clear.”
He then went on to conclude his statement by declaring himself open to new workers. “I look forward to working with creators who put no limits on the stories we tell and follow through on their message of values with open arms.”
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