A recent lawsuit filed by actress Holly Robinson Peete alleges that Hallmark Channel discriminated against her and other actresses based on their age. The suit, which also includes actress Lacey Chabert, claims the network routinely rejected older actresses for roles, preferring to cast younger faces instead.

Peete, known for her roles in “21 Jump Street” and “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” claims she was a regular on Hallmark’s “Christmas in July” movie marathon for years. However, she alleges that the network suddenly stopped casting her in 2020, despite consistently receiving positive feedback for her performance. The suit contends that Hallmark’s reasoning for dropping her was based on her age, stating that the network “began favoring younger actresses” in a bid to appeal to a “more youthful” audience.

Chabert, who gained fame in “Party of Five” and has since become a mainstay in Hallmark movies, also alleges similar experiences. The lawsuit claims that despite Chabert’s consistent success in Hallmark films, the network began casting her less frequently, prioritizing younger actresses instead.

The lawsuit further alleges that Hallmark’s casting practices are discriminatory and violate the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. It seeks unspecified damages for lost wages and emotional distress. This case throws a spotlight on ageism in Hollywood, particularly in the traditionally ageist genre of Hallmark movies. While the network has yet to comment on the lawsuit, the allegations, if proven true, could have significant implications for the future of representation and inclusivity in Hollywood.