Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson has been put on indefinite hiatus from the show following his controversial statements on homosexuality in GQ. From Deadline:
We’re hearing that the show isn’t shooting right now, and there are episodes in the can that Robertson will be in. But he will not be a part of the production when filming resumes.
“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“, the network group said in a statement just now. ”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.”
Danger first put you onto the scent of this story earlier today, pointing out the amount of butt and vagina talk from the Robertson patriarch in the Drew Magary penned feature. It seems that the comments didn’t sit well with many, including GLADD who reached out to A&E for a comment on the remarks and expressed their disagreement with Robertson’s views.
”Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil’s lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe,” said GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz. “He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans – and Americans – who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples. 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.” (via)
All and all this is news that one could’ve saw coming from a mile away. It wasn’t surprising that Robertson feels this way considering his deep Christian values and it certainly isn’t surprising that A&E would take swift action once the complaints started to swoop into the network.
Duck Dynasty is a cash cow ratings giant and there’s a franchise behind the show that includes Chia Pets, clothing and cook books. By removing the elder Robertson from the show, they can distance the others from his views and create their own narrative.
And while I don’t think the Robertson clan are a bunch of a hate mongers, the damage has already been done. When the head of the family you’ve made millions off of starts comparing homosexuality to bestiality in the same sentence, it’s bound to ruffle a few feathers. You can’t change that he said it, but A&E most likely did the next best thing until any controversy slips past.
(Lead image via gettyimages)
