Ellen DeGeneres to Remain J.C. Penney Spokesperson
Ellen DeGeneres will remain the new spokesperson for J.C. Penney, despite attempts by a conservative family rights group to oust her because she's gay.
The retailer issued a statement Friday, saying the department store chain "stands behind its partnership with Ellen DeGeneres."
J.C. Penney announced an exclusive partnership with DeGeneres on Jan. 25.
"Ellen DeGeneres is one of the most fun and vibrant people in entertainment today, with great warmth and a down-to-earth attitude," said Michael Francis, president of J.C. Penney Co., Inc. "Importantly, we share the same fundamental values as Ellen."
One Million Moms, an arm of the American Family Association, maintained that DeGeneres "is not a true representation of the type of families that shop at their store" and predicted that the majority of J.C. Penney shoppers would be offended by the move and boycott the store.
DeGeneres has also served as a spokesperson for Cover Girl and American Express.
The gay and lesbian rights group GLAAD applauded J.C. Penney for standing by DeGeneres. GLAAD had launched an online campaign to "Stand Up for Ellen" and thank the retailer "for making the right choice."
