Holly Robinson-Peete has been singled out in a new lawsuit against Hallmark.
According to a new discrimination lawsuit, Lisa Hamilton Daly, the executive VP of programming, allegedly told her staff that she didn’t want to cast “old people because it did not fit the image for the channel.”
The lawsuit also states that she called out Holly Robinson-Peete, 60, as well as actress, Lacey Chabert, 42, calling them examples of “old talent that needed to be replaced.” Both actresses have appeared in multiple Christmas movies and shows on the Hallmark channel.
“Lacey’s getting older and we have to find someone like her to replace her as she gets older,” Hamilton allegedly said. She also talked about Robinson-Peete, “No one wants her because she’s too expensive and getting too old. She can’t play leading roles anymore.”
The lawsuit was filed on Oct. 9 in Los Angeles by Penny Perry a 70-year-old casting director. She claimed that she was fired for no reason in April after being with the company for nine years. Perry stated that she was reportedly told by Hamilton Daly that she was “too long in the tooth,” and that she would be removed to find new talent.
“We need to bring in someone who knows more young talent,” the suit said. “Our leading ladies are aging out.” In a statement, Hallmark said, “Lacey and Holly have a home at Hallmark. We do not generally comment on pending litigation. And while we deny these outrageous allegations, we are not going to discuss an employment relationship in the media.”
Holly Robinson-Peete has not made any comments about the alleged claims in the lawsuit.