A&E network took swift action yesterday against Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson after his GQ interview hit the press and caused an avalanche of controversy.
With the pressure on from GLAAD (and probably quite a few show sponsors), the network suspended Phil from filming the show. They shared in a statement: “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. 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.”
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The timing of this seems a little suspect to me. Duck Dynasty returns for their new season on January 15th. Phil has reportedly said that he wasn't planning to continue on the show for much longer, leaving it to his sons and their families to carry. Is this his way of going out with a bang and at the same time bringing a TON of press for the series and the new season? And then A&E looks like the good guy for yanking him. Even if it's negative attention, it's still attention, right? I know that sounds a little crazy, but nothing shocks me anymore in the world of reality TV. This could swing either way – millions more will tune in to see the offender for themselves or to finally check out this show they've been hearing so much about or millions will be so offended by Phil's words that they'll tune out completely.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK VIEWERS WILL BOYCOTT THE SHOW? DO YOU THINK PEOPLE WILL UNFAIRLY LUMP THE WHOLE ROBERTSON FAMILY AND THE SHOW INTO PHIL'S MESS?
Photo Credit: Wenn.com
