Candace Cameron Bure breaks silence following backlash over 'traditional marriage' comment

Candace Cameron Bure has spoken out after her comments about ‘traditional marriage’ were deemed offensive towards the LGBTQ community.

The former Full House star was asked why she left the Hallmark channel for GAC Family, where she will oversee and produce programming.

When asked if GAF’s programming would include same-sex couples by the Wall Street Journal earlier this week, Bure explained that her upcoming projects with the network will ‘keep traditional marriage at the core’ of its storytelling.

Her comments received backlash and criticism from celebrities including JoJo Siwa, Jonathan Bennett and Hilarie Burton.

"Honestly, I can't believe [...] she would not only create a movie with intention of excluding LGBTQIA+, but then also talk about it in the press, Siwa, 19, said on Instagram. “This is rude and hurtful to a whole community of people.”

Bure has now weighed in on the backlash, emphasising that ‘people of all ethnicities and identities have and will continue to contribute to the network… both in front of and behind the camera.’

In an extremely lengthy statement shared on her Instagram account, the 46-year-old actress said: “All of you who know me, know beyond question that I have great love and affection for all people. It absolutely breaks my heart that anyone would ever think I intentionally would want to offend and hurt anyone.”

After criticising the ‘toxic climate in our culture right now,’ the mum-of-three added: “I am a devoted Christian. Which means that I believe that every human being bears the image of God. Because of that, I am called to love all people, and I do. If you know me, you know that I am a person who loves fiercely and indiscriminately.”

The Dancing with the Stars finalist also had a message for those who have called her out online. "To the members of the media responsible for using this opportunity to fan flames of conflict and hate, I have a simple message: I love you anyway. To those who hate what I value and who are attacking me online: I love you. To those who have tried to assassinate my character: I love you.

"To everyone reading this, of any race, creed, sexuality, or political party, including those who have tried to bully me with name-calling, I love you.”

Bure finished her statement by expressing her search for a home for more ‘faith-based programming’ and further explained her relationship with God and why she thinks Christmas stories are so important.

“I have long wanted to find a home for more faith-based programming," she said. "I am grateful to be an integral part of a young and growing network. I had also expressed in my interview, which was not included, that people of all ethnicities and identities have and will continue to contribute to the network in great ways both in front of and behind the camera, which I encourage and fully support.

“I’ve never been interested in proselytising through my storytelling, but in celebrating God’s greatness in our lives through the stories I tell.”

“The god we serve is a wildly creative and loving god. He didn’t just capture a small part of my heart. He has captured all of my heart. He will be reflected in everything I do and say; in my family, my work and my interactions with people from all walks of life. God’s love and God’s compassion is front and center. All of that comes from the LOVE that God himself showered upon humanity when he gave the gift of joy and forgiveness on the first Christmas morning 2,000 years ago.

"It is why I love Christmas stories and sharing true job and true peace with millions of people around the world. And in the sole motivation of pure love, I hope you’ll join me in sharing God’s hope for all the world this Christmas season.”