A&E announced on Friday that Phil
Robertson will return to work on its reality show Duck Dynasty.
The news comes a little more than a
week after the television network suspended Robertson for comments
made during an interview with GQ. Robertson
told the men's fashion glossy that gay sex was an illogical “sin”
and put it in the same category as bestiality and promiscuity.
“As a global media content company,
A+E Networks' core values are centered around creativity, inclusion
and mutual respect,” A&E said in a statement. “We believe it
is a privilege for our brands to be invited into people's homes, and
we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to
these principles.”
“That is why we reacted so quickly
and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson. While Phil's
comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on
his own beliefs and his own personal journey, he and his family have
publicly stated they regret the 'coarse language' he used and the
misinterpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He
also made it clear he would 'never incite or encourage hate.' We at
A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the
article and reiterate that they are not views we hold.”
“But Duck Dynasty is not a
show about one man's views,” the network added.
The Robertson family thanked their
supporters in a statement.
“The family is excited to keep making
a quality tv show for our dedicated fans, who have showed us
wonderful support,” the family said. “We will continue to
represent our faith and values in the most positive way through Duck
Dynasty and our many projects that we are currently working on. The
outpouring of support and prayer has encouraged and emboldened us
greatly.”
A&E added that it would launch a
national PSA campaign “promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance
among all people.”