![]() Robertson's well-known supporters included former Alaska Gov. "A&E's pocketbook will be happy, too," he predicted. ![]() He didn't care for Robertson's comments but he has a right to express his opinions, Schmidt said, adding that he's likely not the only one pleased about Robertson's return. Randy Schmidt, a "Duck Dynasty" fan in Illinois, said he's glad to see Robertson return to the show that Schmidt said has "Christian values." "Duck Dynasty" is the channel's highest-rated program and set a reality show record for cable with nearly 12 million viewers for its fourth-season debut this past summer. 17-23 last year, a roughly comparable period to the post-Robertson flap period, the channel averaged 17.3 million viewers. 16-22, the channel averaged 1.5 million viewers, compared to 2 million for the week before, according to Nielsen figures.ĭuring the week of Dec. While TV ratings tend to fluctuate, particularly during the holidays when viewing drops, the overall A&E audience was smaller after it landed in "Duck" soup than before.įor the week of Dec. A petition calling for A&E to bring him back reached 250,000 signatures and counting in about a week. Within a day, more than a half-million people liked an impromptu Facebook page demanding A&E be boycotted until he returns. "If dialogue with Phil is not part of (the) next steps then A&E has chosen profits over African-American and gay people - especially its employees and viewers," GLAAD said, referring to Robertson's comment to GQ that he never saw "the mistreatment of any black person" and that the ones he picked cotton with in the pre-Civil Rights South were happy.īut A&E's move against Robertson provoked a flood of support from those who share his views and others who defended his freedom of speech. Robertson's remarks in GQ were quickly slammed by groups including GLAAD, the gay rights group, which responded critically to A&E's decision Friday. The Robertson family said it had no immediate comment Friday. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness," A&E said. "It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family, a family that America has come to love. While reiterating that Robertson's views are not those of the channel, A&E noted Friday that he has publicly said he would "never incite or encourage hate." The show itself is more than one man's views, it added. ![]() Last week, the channel had put Robertson on what it called an indefinite "hiatus" because of his comments in a GQ magazine article that the Bible views gays as sinners akin to adulterers, prostitutes and swindlers.Ī&E said it decided to drop Robertson from the show about a wealthy family that makes duck calls because it is part of a company whose core values are "centred around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect." In a statement Friday, A&E said it was bringing Robertson back after discussions with his Louisiana family featured in the hit reality series and "numerous advocacy groups." LOS ANGELES - "Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson will return to work on A&E's reality show despite his comments about gay immorality, the channel said Friday, reversing its decision to suspend him after facing a boycott backlash.
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