A&E Reverses decision, Phil Robertson will return to Duck Dynasty

Good to see that A&E has smartened up; after all, his hiatus was quite the stupid knee-jerk reaction.

The Story:

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of A&E’s Duck Dynasty clan who was suspended from his hit reality series on Dec. 18 following some incendiary comments about gay people, won’t be put on hiatus after all.

The network and the Robertson family announced Friday that Phil will still be part of the series — and since he didn’t miss any filming, his temporary suspension will have no effect on the upcoming fifth season.

An A&E statement to The Hollywood Reporter read:

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 principals.

That is why we reacted so quickly and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson. While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the “coarse language” he used and the mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.” We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article, and reiterate that they are not views we hold.

But 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. As you might have seen 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.

So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.

We will also use this moment to launch a national public service campaign (PSA) promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people, a message that supports our core values as a company, and the values found in Duck Dynasty. These PSAs will air across our entire portfolio.

via A&E Welcomes Phil Robertson Back to ‘Duck Dynasty’.

By the way, I have watched the show over the holiday; and I must say, I am quite impressed. It strikes the same chords with me; as a very popular show in the 1980’s did with me, when I was a kid. Basically, the show is “The Dukes of Hazzard” meets duck hunting and Phil Robertson is basically a 21 century Uncle Jesse. Only difference is, uncle Jesse was a character played by an actor and Phil Robertson is a real person.

If I could change anything, I would change the goofy intro with the Bentley and the rings; I get the humor behind that, but someone who’s not really acquainted with that humor, would not get it. The intro from the first season was great.

Either way, I wish the Robertson family the best; and hey, if you all are looking for a blogger/hi-low driver/delivery driver —- look me up, I could use the job. All I’d need as an apartment to live in, and fly back home on the weekends. (I gotta come back and look after my folks on the weekends.) 😀 😉 🙂 I am the only child they have; and yes, I do look after my folks. 🙂

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