Hallmark Accused of Ageism: Execs Allegedly Called Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete “Too Old”
The Hallmark Channel, known for its heartwarming movies and family-friendly programming, is facing a lawsuit alleging age discrimination. According to the suit, Hallmark’s VP of programming, Linda Hamilton Daly, targeted actresses Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete, calling them “old talent” and suggesting they needed to be replaced with younger actresses.
This lawsuit impacts not only Chabert and Robinson Peete, who are established Hallmark stars, but also potentially other actors and personnel within the company. It raises questions about Hallmark’s casting practices and its commitment to diversity in terms of age representation. If the allegations are true, it suggests a potential shift in Hallmark’s strategy, perhaps aiming for a younger demographic.
The lawsuit also details allegations against Hamilton Daly by a former casting director, Penny Perry, who claims she was fired due to her age. This suggests a larger pattern of ageism within Hallmark’s hiring and employment practices.
Hallmark has denied these allegations, stating that Chabert and Robinson Peete “have a home at Hallmark” and declining to discuss the specifics of the lawsuit. However, the allegations themselves have already sparked discussion and controversy, potentially impacting Hallmark’s brand image and audience perception. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the network’s future direction and casting choices.
I'm Annelise, a film lover and pop culture obsessive sharing my thoughts on movies, fashion, and lifestyle on Instagram. Follow along for film reviews, book recommendations, and a healthy dose of geeking out over all things pop culture.