In a recent interview with Variety, Bill Abbott, CEO of Great American Family (GAF), clarified that Candace Cameron Bure’s comments regarding “traditional marriage at the core” of GAF’s holiday movies are her personal views and not representative of the network’s official stance on LGBTQ storytelling. Bure, who was appointed as GAF’s chief content officer last year, made statements that drew considerable attention.
Abbott compared Bure’s comments to the disclaimers seen at the end of movies or series, highlighting that personal opinions don’t necessarily echo the company’s views. He mentioned, “Candace has such a high profile… But when she speaks on that, she’s not speaking on behalf of Great American Media.”
When probed about the inclusion of LGBTQ stories in GAF’s content, Abbott chose not to give a definitive answer. He emphasized the importance of a compelling storyline, characters, and emotional journey over specific casting choices. Abbott added that the network’s primary goal is to deliver high-quality content that entertains, inspires, and uplifts its audience.
Addressing the topic of LGBTQ programming, Abbott acknowledged its significance but also pointed out the network’s current focus on profitability and meeting shareholders’ expectations. He hinted at possible changes in the future, stating, “as our world grows and changes… then we’ll see.”
