Despite Candace Cameron Bure’s ‘Traditional Marriage’ Comment, Great American Family Ends 2022 As Fastest-Growing Cable Network

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in November, Abbott was vague about whether GAF will release movies featuring same-sex relationships. “It’s certainly the year 2022, so we’re aware of the trends,” he said. “There’s no whiteboard that says, ‘Yes, this’ or ‘No, we’ll never go here.’” For her part, Bure told WSJ, “I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core.” 

Bure faced backlash for that statement. Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD, said Bure’s words were “irresponsible and hurtful.” “One Tree Hill” actor Hilarie Burton Morgan, called Bure a “bigot,” adding, “I don’t remember Jesus liking hypocrites like Candy.”

“Dance Moms” star JoJo Siwa, who had recently resolved a public spat with Bure, said Bure was “rude and hurtful to a whole community of people.” 

Bure responded to the criticism in a statement. “All of you who know me, know beyond question that I have great love and affection for all people,” she said. “It absolutely breaks my heart that anyone would ever think I intentionally would want to offend and hurt anyone.” She explained: 

I have long wanted to find a home for more faith-based programming. I am grateful to be an integral part of a young and growing network. I had also expressed in my interview, which was not included, that people of all ethnicities and identities have and will continue to contribute to the network in great ways both in front of and behind the camera, which I encourage and fully support. I’ve never been interested in proselytizing through my storytelling, but in celebrating God’s greatness in our lives through the stories I tell.

GAF is clearly doing well despite the controversy. “Happy New Year to everyone who helped make this happen,” said the network, “from the people on-camera and off, but especially our viewers!”