Hallmark Channel Chief Bill Abbott Exits Following Same-Sex Wedding Ad Controversy

He had been Crown Media Family Networks president and CEO for 11 years

A month after Hallmark Channel sparked outrage for briefly pulling several ads from wedding planning brand Zola that featured a same-sex couple kissing at their wedding, the network’s chief is exiting the company.

Bill Abbott, who has been Crown Media Family Networks president and CEO for the past 11 years, is leaving the company. The announcement was made today by Mike Perry, president and CEO of Hallmark Cards Inc.

No successor has been named. “I have tremendous confidence in the Crown Media management team and, with this team in place, I will begin a search for Bill’s replacement,” Perry said.

Abbott’s exit comes on the heels of Hallmark Channel’s decision to pull several ads by wedding planning brand Zola featuring a same-sex couple kissing in response to pressure from conservative group One Million Moms.

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