|
 Robertson's remarks to GQ magazine and his subsequent
suspension by A&E sparked a nationwide debate over tolerance and
religion, with conservative politicians and fans saying that
Robertson's beliefs were consistent with the Bible.
"As a global media content company, A&E Networks' core values
are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect,"
A&E said in a statement released late Friday in the midst of the
holiday season.
"We believe it is a privilege for our brands to be invited into
people's homes and we operate with a strong sense of integrity
and deep commitment to these principles."
It was a quick reversal for the network that is jointly owned by
Walt Disney Co. and privately held Hearst Corp, but the move was
not entirely surprising, given the financial commitment at
stake. The controversy was also seen as a test for the
entertainment industry's appeal to audiences in the heartland of
America.
"Duck Dynasty" ranks among the most-watched cable television
programs and averages about 8 million viewers per episode. Its
fifth season is slated to begin on Jan. 15. The show's fourth
season debuted in August to 11.8 million viewers, a record for a
cable nonfiction series, according to the network.
"Duck Dynasty" sponsors and retailers selling branded
merchandise, such as Target and Wal-Mart, also stuck with the
show, although they did not pick sides in the public debate.
Restaurant chain Cracker Barrel notably bowed to customer
pressure last weekend and restocked its Phil Robertson-themed
merchandise after initially pulling it from shelves.
"Duck Dynasty" merchandise, which ranges from sporting goods and
apparel to camouflage furniture, has brought in some $400
million in sales, according to Forbes magazine.
By lifting Robertson's suspension after nine days, A&E assures
that the 67-year-old will not miss production of the series'
sixth season and staves off any potential mutiny by the
remainder of the family if he were to be kept off the show.
Robertson, the leader of the backwater Louisiana clan on the
reality show about hunting, fishing and domestic squabbles, was
put on indefinite "hiatus" on Dec. 18 by A&E for his remarks
to GQ characterizing homosexuality as sinful behavior.
"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph from there,"
Robertson said when asked what is sinful. "Bestiality, sleeping
around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those
men."
"BACK ON"
A&E said it would also air a national public service campaign
"promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people" on
all its affiliated networks, which include the History Channel
and Lifetime among others.
[to top of second column] |
 Although Robertson never apologized for his comments, his family
did say they regretted his "coarse language," which included
graphic descriptions of male and female anatomy. The family also said it would not continue with the
show without its patriarch and was in talks with the network.
A&E said at the time it was disappointed after reading Robertson's
remarks, which it added were his personal views and did not reflect
those of the network.
The network's quick move to suspend Robertson hours after the GQ
story appeared online also stood in contrast to fellow cable
networks The Food Network and MSNBC, which both waited days before
recently parting with Southern food doyen Paula Deen and actor Alec
Baldwin, respectively, after they both admitted to using slurs.
Vocal opposition from "Duck Dynasty" fans was swift in coming and an
online petition started by Faith Driven Consumer, a group that
connects Christian shoppers with faith-compatible companies, gained
more than 260,000 signatures since Robertson's suspension began.
Robertson's suspension also elicited strong reaction from across the
political spectrum, with conservative politicians defending
Robertson as a victim of political correctness.
Early in the controversy, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal lent his
support to Robertson and his family, who turned their animal-call
company Duck Commander into a hunting industry leader and helped
boost tourism to the state.
"I'm glad to hear that A&E came to its senses & recognized that
tolerance of religious views is more important than political
correctness," he said on Twitter.
"Back on," Republican U.S. Senator Ted Cruz tweeted in reference to
Robertson.
Gay equality group GLAAD condemned Robertson's comments, saying he
knows nothing about gay people.
"Phil's decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on
A&E and his sponsors, who now need to reexamine their ties to
someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families,"
GLAAD said in a statement at the time.
GLAAD could not be reached for comment on Friday.
(Editing by Mary Milliken and Ken Wills)
[© 2013 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2013 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
