‘Duck Dynasty’: A&E puts Phil Robertson on ‘hiatus’ after anti-gay comments
Phil Robertson ruffled a few too many feathers with some of his comments this week, and now, the network behind “Duck Dynasty” is making a big move as a result.
In a statement today released not long after the comments made by the Robertson family patriarch to GQ were made public, A&E decided that even though this show may be extremely popular, Phil made need to sit this one out for a good while to avoid them getting any more negative PR thrown in their direction:
“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”
Robertson has already been blasted by GLAAD and many other organizations for putting homosexuality and bestiality in the same sentence while also referring to it as a sin. Since this controversy started the rest of his family members have remained silent … and we wonder how long that will last. This is going to be an interesting story to follow for so many reasons, as the Robertsons have always been incredibly close-knit. The only reason that some of Phil’s strong religious beliefs have not made it onto the show before is because of the way A&E edits them, something that Phil has long tried to fight against.
Personally, we understand that Phil has the right to believe or say anything that he wants, and the Constitution allows that. However, a corporation also has the right to respond in whatever way they need to help the best interests of the company. A&E may make a move a few months down the road to bring Phil back when some of this has blown over, but it’s going to be tough for everyone involved. Can the “Duck Dynasty” crew bounce back from this?
Popeye
December 19, 2013 @ 2:48 pm
Appropriate measures? In what country, or world? Now people cannot have their own thoughts? Those who do not agree with others are shunned now, in a free society? Do you really take time to think of what this is doing to people and this country? I suggest moving to a Communist society, and feeling out whether you really want freedoms stamped out. I agree to disagree. That is a human right! Only God, has the right to judge on someones thoughts, and opinions. If you do not like them, too bad! Move on, do not watch the show! This thought process is retarded, and that is putting it mildly. I know this word is being judged by you also, but it is just a word! Grow a pair, and get over being so sensitive. It makes you a stronger person! Before the internet, and cell phones, and the invention of P.C., people were able to cope with disagreement, and words, were just words. They made you tougher in the long run. We are not robots, and programable! As a Veteran, I will not be. Forcing people against their will, always results in war. Sooner or later! I promise the free, will win that war! I pray (another dirty word and belief by the society police,) Phil, and family take their show to another channel, and A&E bites the big one for their narrow minded act of vengence over an opinion and belief! Obviously the word appropriate is misused in this thoughtless lower level sheep mentality movement!
popeye
December 19, 2013 @ 2:54 pm
The Dynasty will bounce back, by moving on to another channel! It will not be that hard. Phil has the money, power, and backing to do it. A&E will lose viewers. That is the best show they had going. Too bad they had to play bedroom, life choice, and religious politics. It will cost them in the end, but they can all be proud, when they lose their jobs over it! God knows jobs are easy to find here in this country! :)