With record-breaking Fixer Upper ratings, a best-selling book and a sold-out bed and breakfast, 2016 was a great year to be a Gaines. But last year also brought its challenges for HGTV's "it" couple.
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In late November, BuzzFeed published a controversial article revealing that the pastor at Chip and Joanna Gaines' church in Waco, Texas, is firmly against same-sex marriage. There were also claims made that the couple intentionally did not feature same-sex couples on Fixer Upper. The Gaines family received backlash after the story was posted, but had yet to speak out publicly on the matter.
Until now, that is. In a new blog post, Chip Gaines alluded to the BuzzFeed article and the scandal that followed.
"This past year has been tough," the Fixer Upper star recalls. "In my lifetime, I can't recall humanity being more divided."
Although the Gaines family didn't immediately respond to the article, fans believe Chip was hinting at the controversy in tweets from early December.
U know.. even as all hell "appears" to be breaking loose. All I have to do is look at my 4 precious babies sleeping, or kiss Jo good morning
— Chip Gaines (@chipgaines) December 1, 2016
Morning counseling with the girls.. they seem to think everything is going to be ok. #farmLife pic.twitter.com/IOeY2iYFxP
— Chip Gaines (@chipgaines) December 1, 2016
In his end-of-the-year letter, Chip Gaines says the famous couple won't use their platform to further harm "an already hurting world."
"Joanna and I have personal convictions," the Texas native writes. "One of them is this: we care about you for the simple fact that you are a person, our neighbor on planet earth. It's not about what color your skin is, how much money you have in the bank, your political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, nationality or faith."
Gaines' letter reflects on the trials of the past year. But he also issues a call for restoring unity in the New Year.
"We propose operating with a love so real and true that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and work alongside the very people that are most unlike you," the home renovator continues. "This is how a house gets unified... This could be one of the greatest restoration stories of all time. Who's ready to get to work?"
Read "Chip's New Year's Revelation" letter in full here.
