Hilarie Burton Says She Left Hallmark Film After 'Diverse Casting' Request Ignored

Hilarie Burton responded to the Hallmark Channels since-rescinded decision to scrap ads depicting a same-sex wedding with some eyebrow-raising claims of her own.

The actor, best known for playing Peyton Sawyer on One Tree Hill, has appeared in a number of Hallmarks original films over the years, including 2012s Naughty or Nice and 2013s Christmas on the Bayou . However, she said she was dismissed from one of the networks projects last January because she demanded more diverse casting.

I had insisted on a LGBTQ character, an interracial couple and diverse casting, Burton wrote in a series of tweets Sunday. I was polite, direct and professional.

Though she didnt mention the title of the film, she said studio executives took none of my requests into consideration, at which point she was told to take it or leave it.

Just going through some old emails from a #Hallmark job I was let go from back in January. I had insisted on a LGBTQ character, an interracial couple and diverse casting. I was polite, direct and professional. But after the execs gave their notes on the script and NONE of my

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Just going through some old emails from a #Hallmark job I was let go from back in January. I had insisted on a LGBTQ character, an interracial couple and diverse casting. I was polite, direct and professional. But after the execs gave their notes on the script and NONE of my
Hilarie Burton Morgan (@HilarieBurton) December 15, 2019

Requests were honored, I was told take it or leave it.
I left it. And the paycheck. Shitty being penalized for standing up for inclusivity. I really wanted that job. It was close to my house. It paid really well. It was about the military, which you all know I hold dear. But?

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Requests were honored, I was told take it or leave it.
I left it. And the paycheck. Shitty being penalized for standing up for inclusivity. I really wanted that job. It was close to my house. It paid really well. It was about the military, which you all know I hold dear. But?
Hilarie Burton Morgan (@HilarieBurton) December 15, 2019

The bigotry comes from the top and permeates the whole deal over there, said Burton, who is married to Jeffrey Dean Morgan of Greys Anatomy and The Walking Dead. By contrast, Lifetime rallied for her when she signed on to star in A Christmas Wish, she said.

That film, co-starring Cristin de la Fuente and Megan Park, debuted on the network Nov. 28.

Id walk away again in a heartbeat. The bigotry comes from the top and permeates the whole deal over there. Ive been loudly cheering for @lifetimetv all year because they heard my concerns + RALLIED! You want inclusive Christmas magic?! We got it.
Love is love #receipts

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Id walk away again in a heartbeat. The bigotry comes from the top and permeates the whole deal over there. Ive been loudly cheering for @lifetimetv all year because they heard my concerns + RALLIED! You want inclusive Christmas magic?! We got it.
Love is love #receipts
Hilarie Burton Morgan (@HilarieBurton) December 15, 2019

Later on Sunday, Morgan responded to Burtons remarks, noting in a tweet , I do love you in an elf costume.

As for his wifes allegations, he added , Gross. No other words needed.

Hallmark officials did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment on the claims.

The network this weekend ignited a firestorm of controversy when it opted not to air a series of commercials for Zola, an online wedding registry and retailer, that showed a lesbian couple kissing at their nuptials.

The decision came after One Million Moms , a subgroup of the right-wing American Family Association, started a petition urging Hallmark to the remove ads featuring same-sex couples from the airwaves.

A representative for the network told The New York Times the commercial featuring the two brides violated a company-wide rule against public displays of affection, but did not clarify why a nearly identical ad featuring a man and woman kissing was not rejected.

After the news drew a blistering response from celebrities , politicians and LGBTQ advocacy groups , Hallmark apologized and said it had decided to reverse course by airing the ads after all.

Our mission is rooted in helping all people connect, celebrate traditions, and be inspired to capture meaningful moments in their lives. Anything that detracts from this purpose is not who we are, Mike Perry, the CEO of Hallmark Cards, Inc., said in a statement provided to HuffPost. We are truly sorry for the hurt and disappointment this has caused.

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