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Well, that didn’t take long. About a week after A&E Networks suspended “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson for offensive comments, the network announced it will “resume filming Duck Dynasty this spring with the entire Robertson family.”
The company released a statement defending its decision to continue the show and supporting Phil Robertson, saying he had apologized for his comments. (Via A&E)
They write, "Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man's views. … in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A+E Networks also feel strongly about." (Via Twitter / @nbcnightlynews)
Robertson was temporarily suspended after remarks he made during an interview for GQ magazine.
Robertson shared his thoughts on sin in the interview, saying in part: "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men." (Via CNN)
Robertson then grouped gays with terrorists and drunkards, adding that he was a Bible thumper and that sin was not logical. He also said black people were happier before the civil rights movement. (Via Us Weekly)
A&E’s reversal on Robertson’s suspension has many media outlets critical of the network’s actual motives.
"It says our core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect. Is that why A&E tried to get them to stop praying and saying Jesus in their show? It's a bunch of bologna if you look at this it's about profit." (Via Fox News)
Anchor: “These people must have some following Cracker Barrel puts their stuff back on the shelves, this guy was suspended now he’s back on air.”
Anchor: “And you look what happened to Paula Deen they basically…”
Anchor: “Buried her.”
Anchor: "They must bring in more customers." (Via WOIO)
And it's true Duck Dynasty is one of cable TV's most-watched shows with upwards of 14 million viewers. (Via Businessweek)
In its statement, A&E also said it will air a national public service campaign promoting tolerance and acceptance among all people. Season 5 of “Duck Dynasty” will air Jan. 15.
- See more at Newsy.com
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