JoJo Siwa had intended to resolve her dispute with Candace Cameron Bure, but her plans were halted when the former Full House star made controversial remarks about "traditional marriage." During an episode of Nick Viall's "Viall Files" podcast on Thursday, July 27, the 20-year-old revealed, "I have never addressed this before, but she released a Christmas press statement for her movies under the name Great American Family. It's okay to make a movie showing a marriage between a man and a woman, but it shouldn't necessarily be labeled as 'traditional marriage,' even though that's what it is."
Siwa explained that the issue was not about the absence of LGBTQIA representation in movies, but rather the intention behind it. She believed that the actress wanted to make movies that put down the LGBTQIA community and specifically exclude any LGBTQIA characters. Siwa acknowledged that it is acceptable to have movies with heterosexual storylines, as not everything needs to be focused on LGBTQIA themes. However, when it is done out of spite, with the intention of criticizing the LGBTQIA community and promoting traditional marriage as superior, it bothered Siwa.
In November 2022, Cameron Bure made headlines when she mentioned in an interview with WSJ. Magazine that she switched from Hallmark to Great American Family to tell faith-based stories that prioritize "traditional marriage." Her comments received significant backlash, leading Cameron Bure to clarify on Instagram that she did not intend to purposefully offend anyone with her remarks.
"I am a devout follower of Christian faith, believing in the inherent divine nature within every human being," she expressed in her social media announcement that November. "This conviction compels me to extend love to all individuals, a love that knows no boundaries. Those who are acquainted with me are aware of my unwavering passion to foster connections and guide people towards a closer relationship with God, to foster genuine care for others, and to embody the boundless love that God has for each one of us."
Siwa, who courageously came out as homosexual in January 2021, was surprised by Cameron Bure's remarks.
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"After reading [the article with her quotes], it made me realize that we will never see eye to eye, and we will never have a friendly relationship. I have come to accept that I cannot change her, just as she cannot change me. We can coexist peacefully, but I do wish she could be more open-minded and accepting. I am fine with calling her out the way I did."
Siwa gained attention earlier when she mentioned Cameron Bure as the rudest celebrity she had encountered. Siwa claimed that Cameron Bure ignored her request for a photo at the red carpet premiere of Fuller House when Siwa was 11 years old.
Cameron Bure later apologized to Siwa in a phone call, which Siwa emotionally shared on Instagram. Cameron Bure expressed regret for breaking Siwa's heart when she was 11 and praised her for being a positive role model throughout her life and career.
Siwa later confessed to Viall on the podcast that she initially felt remorse over the intense conflict, but her perspective shifted after Cameron Bure's remarks about marriage received negative reactions. Siwa felt compelled to defend the LGBTQIA+ community, stating that they are "my people" and she had to show support for them. She criticized Cameron Bure for her comments, considering them to be harmful, and suggested that Cameron Bure implied that individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ cannot be "good, loving Christians."