In the wake of A&E putting Duck Dynasty family patriarch, Phil Robertson, on “indefinite leave” over remarks he made in a recent GQ interview, the family is circling the wagons.
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.
Sounds like the family is playing hardball with A&E. I’ve read that the new season is almost entirely shot, so Phil’s absence won’t be felt until further down the line. To be honest, I think the move is all show on A&E’s part anyway. I suspect Phil will be back sooner rather than later. As some have pointed out (read this excellent analysis at Reality Blurred), the network has been working with the family for a few years, surely they were aware of his beliefs.
An excellent point has been made by a few pundits, that A&E aren’t so much upset about what Phil said, as that his private persona has been revealed, ruining the show personna the Duck Dynasty writers carefully crafted for him. Because, you know, often, there is very little “reality” in reality shows.
TMZ points out that there are pre-Duck Dynasty videos that make Phil’s extreme views on LGBT abundently clear, and that A&E knew exactly what they were getting into.
In the meantime, the right wing depicting the controversy as a freedom of speech issue is laughable. What is it about 1st amendment that they don’t understand? The government isn’t censoring Phil Robertson, which is all the constitution promises. Phil is free to speak his mind. The rest of us are free to react. And A&E, as a corporation, is free to protect their bottom line as they see fit. What could be more American than that?
UPDATE: The Daily Mail found more footage of Phil preaching against the LGBT, where he accuses homosexuals of being “ruthless” and “full of murder.” Those co-signing Phil’s views as those of a “Godly” man, does this video change your mind? Watch it Here.
I like this essay from the Daily Beast HERE
