Phil Robertson ‘suspension’ ends, ‘Duck Dynasty’ season 5 move ahead
Phil Robertson’s comments on homosexuals and blacks put his reality show Duck Dynasty and the network, A&E, in the epicenter of controversy, attacked from media talking heads and activists immediately.
The comments by Robertson resulted in his suspension in the middle of a 24-hour Duck Dynasty marathon on the channel. In a statement by the family, there would be no show without Phil, so the game of “Chicken” began.
Now A&E has blinked, lifting the ban on Phil as the show
“As a global media content company, A+E Networks’ core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect. We believe it is a privilege for our brands to be invited into people’s home and we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principles.”
The network says they plan to roll out a new PSA campaign on their network in the wake of what happened … promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance.
A&E adds, “Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family… a family that America has come to love.”
“If dialogue with Phil is not part of (the) next steps, then A&E has chosen profits over African-American and gay people — especially its employees and viewers,” GLAAD said.
In an exclusive statement to FoxNews.com, the family said it was “excited to keep making a quality TV show for our dedicated fans, who have showed us wonderful support. We will continue to represent our faith and values in the most positive way through Duck Dynasty and our many projects that we are currently working on.
“The outpouring of support and prayer has encouraged and emboldened us greatly.”