Hallmark has severed ties with actress Lori Loughlin following her involvement in a nationwide college admissions cheating scandal. The network, owned by Crown Media Family Networks, confirmed it is no longer working with Loughlin and has halted development of all productions featuring the actress.
Loughlin, best known for her role in the sitcom Full House and its Netflix sequel Fuller House, was a marquee star for Hallmark, appearing in the drama When Calls the Heart, the Garage Sale Mystery film series, and several Christmas films. The decision comes after she was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.
Authorities allege Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, paid $500,000 (£377,000) in bribes to secure their two daughters' admission to the University of Southern California as recruits for the rowing team, despite neither daughter participating in the sport. The couple are among more than 30 parents charged in the scheme, which involved cheating on college entrance exams and bribing coaches to offer fake athletic scholarships.
Beauty brands Sephora and TRESemme have also ended their relationships with Loughlin's daughter, Olivia Jade Giannulli, a social media influencer. Sephora removed her make-up collaboration from its website, and TRESemme announced it had cut ties with the teenager.
Loughlin appeared in court on Wednesday and was granted permission to travel to Canada for a film project. Giannulli faced charges on Tuesday and was required to post $1 million (£754,000) bond, using the family home as collateral. Actress Felicity Huffman, also charged in the scandal, was released on $250,000 (£188,000) bail after surrendering her passport.
