US channel apologizes for pulling same-sex ads

Washington, Dec 16 (IANS) The US' Hallmark channel has apologized for its decision to withdraw television advertisements featuring same-sex couples, it was reported on Monday.The company's cable network pulled the ads for wedding registry and planning site Zola under pressure from the conservative group, One Million Moms, the BBC reported."We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused," Hallmark's president and Chief Executive Mike Perry said, adding that the company would reinstate the adverts.In a statement, Perry also said that Hallmark would "be working with (advocacy group) Glaad to better represent the LGBTQ community across our portfolio of brands".The decision to withdraw the adverts drew criticism from a number of high-profile gay figures, including Democratic presidential contender Pete Buttigieg and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.The Netflix US Twitter account also criticised the decision, as did California Governor Gavin Newsom.The #BoycottHallmarkChannel hashtag, which was launched by Glaad, featured in over 16,000 tweets as of Sunday afternoon.
--IANS ksk/.