When it comes to wholesome family TV, Candace Cameron Bure has been a household name for decades. From her role as DJ Tanner in Full House to becoming a staple in Hallmark holiday films, she’s built her brand around family-friendly entertainment.
But in 2022, she made headlines—and stirred controversy—after publicly stating that her new network home, Great American Family (GAF), would focus on “traditional marriage” instead of featuring gay couples in leading roles.
The statement instantly divided fans, sparked backlash across social media, and raised deeper questions about representation, inclusion, and the evolving world of entertainment.
Who Is Candace Cameron Bure?
Before diving into the controversy, let’s set the stage. Candace Cameron Bure is:
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A longtime actress best known for her role on Full House and Fuller House.
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A former Hallmark Channel favorite, starring in dozens of cozy holiday movies.
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A vocal Christian and outspoken advocate for her faith in Hollywood.
Her wholesome image has made her a fan-favorite for audiences who crave family-friendly, feel-good stories.
The Move From Hallmark to Great American Family
For years, Hallmark was Bure’s home base. She became synonymous with their holiday movie empire. But in 2022, she left Hallmark to join Great American Family (a newer, more conservative network).
Why? According to Bure, she wanted to work with a company that aligned more closely with her values—especially when it came to faith and family.
This shift set the stage for her headline-making statement.
The Statement That Sparked Controversy
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Candace Cameron Bure was asked if Great American Family would feature same-sex couples in leading roles, as Hallmark had recently begun to do.
Her response:
“I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core.”
And with that single sentence, she ignited a firestorm of criticism and debate.
What Does “Traditional Marriage” Mean in This Context?
When Bure used the phrase “traditional marriage,” she was referring to marriage between a man and a woman.
Critics argued that by framing it this way, she was essentially excluding LGBTQ+ couples from being represented in lead roles within GAF productions.
Supporters, on the other hand, praised her for sticking to her values and creating content for a more conservative audience.
Backlash From Fans and Celebrities
The response to Bure’s statement was swift and intense.
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Fans on social media accused her of promoting exclusion and discrimination.
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JoJo Siwa, an openly gay entertainer, called her out directly, saying she couldn’t believe Bure would make such comments.
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Other celebrities and LGBTQ+ advocates voiced disappointment, arguing that her words undermined inclusivity in entertainment.
The backlash became a trending topic across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Candace Cameron Bure’s Response to Criticism
After the uproar, Bure issued a statement clarifying her position. She emphasized:
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She loves and respects all people.
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Her intention was never to hurt or offend anyone.
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She simply wanted to create content that aligns with her faith and values.
Still, many critics felt her clarification did little to address the core issue—lack of representation for LGBTQ+ stories in Great American Family films.
The Role of Faith in Her Career
Faith has always been central to Candace Cameron Bure’s public image. She has:
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Written books about faith, family, and values.
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Spoken openly about her Christian beliefs.
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Chosen projects that reflect her worldview.
Her stance on “traditional marriage” reflects this long-standing commitment to her religious convictions.
The Larger Debate: Representation in Media
At its heart, this controversy isn’t just about Bure—it’s about the bigger cultural conversation happening in entertainment.
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Should holiday movies and family films represent diverse love stories, including same-sex couples?
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Or should networks cater to specific audiences who prefer “traditional” portrayals of marriage?
This debate goes beyond one actress and touches on how Hollywood reflects (or resists) cultural change.
Hallmark vs. Great American Family
To really understand the divide, compare the two networks:
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Hallmark: In recent years, it has embraced inclusivity by featuring LGBTQ+ couples in holiday movies.
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Great American Family: Under CEO Bill Abbott (a former Hallmark executive), the network has signaled a return to more conservative, “traditional” values.
Candace Cameron Bure’s move to GAF was more than a career decision—it was a statement about which side of that cultural divide she stands on.
Support From Conservative Audiences
While Bure faced harsh criticism online, she also gained strong support from conservative and faith-based viewers.
For this audience, her stance was refreshing—a sign that not all of Hollywood was bending to progressive cultural shifts.
To them, Great American Family represents a safe space for entertainment that mirrors their values.
Critics Argue Exclusion Sends the Wrong Message
On the flip side, critics argue that by excluding LGBTQ+ couples from leading roles, Great American Family is sending a message that some love stories aren’t worthy of being celebrated.
In an industry striving for inclusivity, this feels like a step backward to many.
The Business Side of the Controversy
Let’s not forget—controversy often fuels publicity.
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Candace Cameron Bure’s comments put Great American Family in headlines everywhere.
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The network instantly gained visibility in the crowded streaming and cable market.
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Whether you agree with her or not, the buzz helped GAF establish its brand identity.
The Personal vs. The Public
One of the hardest parts of this situation is the clash between personal beliefs and public responsibility.
Candace Cameron Bure has the right to her faith-based values. But as a public figure leading a family TV network, her words carry weight far beyond her personal circle.
This is why the backlash was so intense—her comments weren’t just about her—they were about an entire network’s direction.
What This Means for Holiday Movies Going Forward
Holiday films are more than just entertainment; they’re cultural markers.
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For some, they represent nostalgia and tradition.
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For others, they’re a chance to see their own love stories reflected on screen.
Candace Cameron Bure’s stance suggests Great American Family will stick with the former, while networks like Hallmark will embrace the latter.
The Legacy of This Controversy
Whether you agree with her or not, Candace Cameron Bure’s comments have already shaped her legacy:
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Supporters will remember her as someone who stood firm in her faith.
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Critics will remember her as someone who chose exclusion over inclusivity.
Either way, she has cemented herself as a central figure in the ongoing conversation about faith, family, and representation in media.
Conclusion
Candace Cameron Bure’s statement that Great American Family will focus on “traditional marriage” instead of prioritizing gay couples has sparked one of the biggest cultural debates in family television.
For some, it was a refreshing affirmation of values they hold dear. For others, it was a disappointing exclusion of love stories that deserve to be told.
No matter where you stand, one thing is clear: this moment is a turning point in the evolution of holiday films and family-friendly entertainment. And Candace Cameron Bure is right at the center of it.
FAQs
1. What exactly did Candace Cameron Bure say about gay couples in movies?
She said Great American Family would focus on “traditional marriage,” implying man-and-woman couples would remain central.
2. Why did Candace Cameron Bure leave Hallmark for Great American Family?
She wanted to work with a network that better aligned with her faith and values.
3. How did fans react to her comments?
Reactions were divided—many criticized her for being exclusionary, while others praised her for standing by her beliefs.
4. Did Candace Cameron Bure apologize for her statement?
She clarified her comments, saying she respects all people, but she did not retract her focus on traditional marriage.
5. Will Great American Family feature LGBTQ+ couples at all?
As of now, the network has indicated its focus will remain on heterosexual couples, unlike Hallmark, which has expanded representation.
