Hudson Thanks Fans & OKs Gap Ad

Oscar-Winning Actress Releases Statement On MySpace & Gives Gap The Green Light On Winter Ad Campaign

(AP)  In her first statement since burying her slain mother, brother and nephew, Jennifer Hudson thanked her fans for their encouragement during the tragic ordeal.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the 27-year-old Oscar-winning actress and singer said in a posting on her MySpace page Thursday evening. "My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern."

Last week, Hudson buried her mother, 57-year-old Darnell Donerson; her brother, Jason Hudson, 29; and her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King. The bodies of her mother and brother were found shot on Oct. 24 in the family home in Chicago, while Julian - who had also been shot - was found dead in a sport utility vehicle on the city's West Side three days later.

Hudson has been in seclusion since the tragedy.

William Balfour, the estranged husband of her sister Julia Hudson, has been questioned in connection with the killings. He has been held on a parole violation, but has not been charged.

Meanwhile, the Gap unveiled new ads featuring a cheerful-looking Hudson for the clothing company's winter campaign. However, Hudson's publicist, Lisa Kasteler, said the ads were planned months in advance and had gone to print prior to the killings.

The Gap considered removing smiling portraits of Jennifer Hudson from its new holiday ads after her recent tragedy, but decided to keep the images after the grieving star said she wanted to go ahead with the campaign, a representative for the clothing chain said Friday.

"We felt that it was really important first and foremost to respect what she wanted to do, so as long as she felt comfortable with her campaign being out there, we felt comfortable," said Olivia Doyne, director of engagement marketing and public relations for Gap.

The company's new print, store and billboard ads were unveiled Thursday. Several celebrities are featured, including Mary-Louise Parker, Jason Bateman, Rainn Wilson, Ashanti and Seth Myers.

Hudson's photos were taken in July in advance of what was expected to be a busy winter season for the singer and actress, who released her self-titled debut CD and was featured in the film "The Secret Life of Bees" in October.

After the tragedy unfolded, the Gap considered pulling Hudson from the ad out of deference to the entertainer.

"The minute we heard about the tragedy, we actually contacted her management team to ask if she wanted to participate or if she wanted us to pull her out of it," said Doyne. "They checked in with her and said that she still wanted to participate. It was definitely our first thought."

Doyne said Gap Inc. wasn't concerned that Hudson's presence in the ads would register sadness instead of holiday cheer.

"Her pictures are absolutely gorgeous. She just looks incredible and she's got such this big, beautiful personality and I think (it) came through on the photos really well," said Doyne. "So I really hope that despite all the heartbreak that's been happening, she'll still bring a smile to people's faces."

[mayaderen-2009]

While it is indeed a horrible tragedy, I think Jennifer''s mom and family would have wanted her to get on with her life. She looks beautiful in the ads, and hopefully we will see her back in the spotlight. Her mom encouraged her to audition - she would want her child to enjoy continued success. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jennifer during this difficult time.

[wheear]

God comfort and bless you and your sister Ms. Hudson.