The Robertson Family released an official statement on Phil Robertson’s suspension from Duck Dynasty following a controversial interview with GQ magazine. The statement paints a gloomy picture for the future of the program on A&E while firmly supporting Robertson’s rights and opinions. From the Duck Commander website:
We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Phil would never incite or encourage hate.We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right.We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. Again, thank you for your continued support of our family.
To recap what has happened so far in what I am dubbing “duckbutt vagina-gate,” a foolish/genius manager for the Robertson clan approved an interview with GQ manned by internet hero Drew Magary. The piece featured Phil Robertson saying several things that didn’t sit well with GLAAD and numerous others who flooded A&E with complaints, forcing them to suspend Robertson indefinitely.
The suspension didn’t sit well with folks who love Duck Dynasty, including former vice presidential joke Sarah Palin, who proceeded to start petitions and flood A&E with more complaints. Ever since, the Internet has basically been divided in a manner that hasn’t been seen since the great Chic-Fil-A debate of 2012.
The response is merely the next chapter and one of the more civil you’ll find in the entire debacle. There’s no mention of Robertson being a folk hero who is being forced out of his livelihood or the evils of homosexuality and sin. Instead it just tows the line of family and faith that you might hear from the group on Duck Dynasty.
That doesn’t excuse what was said or make up for the trash that was spewed from both sides following the initial news, but it’s a nice change of pace. It’s almost like that little spritz of water that splashes up when you flush the toilet.
The folks I feel the worst for in this entire controversy are the people who answer the phones at A&E. Just the wide range of anger they had to deal with in the span of 24 hours is insane.
(Lead image via Duck Commander)
