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By Emma Mayer
Staff Writer
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Neal Bledsoe is stepping away from the Great American Family network following recent remarks by actress Candace Cameron Bure.
Bledsoe, 41, is a Canadian actor known for starring in the 2021 film The Winter Palace and this year's Christmas at the Drive-In on the Great American Family network.
Last month, The Wall Street Journal published a story in which Fuller House star Bure discussed being the network's new chief creative officer and leaving the Hallmark Channel, where she was a favorite for more than a decade.
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Bure said that her decision to join Great American Family was driven, at least in part, by her faith, and she shared that she does not expect the network to feature same-sex couples in its holiday films. Bure received significant backlash for the comments.
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"My heart wants to tell stories that have more meaning and purpose and depth behind them," she said about making the change. "I knew that the people behind Great American Family were Christians that love the Lord and wanted to promote faith programming and good family entertainment. I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core."
Great American Family CEO Bill Abbott said: "It's certainly the year 2022, so we're aware of the trends. There's no whiteboard that says, 'Yes, this' or 'No, we'll never go here.'"
Now, less than a month after Bure's switch to Great American Family, Bledsoe revealed in a lengthy statement to Variety that he is stepping back from the network in solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
He said that he has received ample support from many in the LGBTQ community over the years.
"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," Bledsoe said.
He added that his "support for the LGBTQIA+ community is unconditional" and felt that he could not stay silent.
"Everyone is entitled to their beliefs," Bledsoe said, "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. 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.
Bledsoe closed his statement by announcing that will be making a donation to the LGBTQ organization True Colors United, and added, "As an artist, I yearn to be proud of the work I create. 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."
Newsweek reached out to a representative for Bure and Great American Media for additional comment.
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