US: Suspension of anti-gay reality star Phil Robertson lifted by A&E

US reality star Phil Robertson, who was recently suspended from his TV show after making controversial anti-gay comments, has been reinstated.

The A&E television network said in a statement: “Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family… a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A&E Networks also feel strongly about.

“So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.”

Robertson was given an “indefinite” suspension from the show when he questioned in an interview to GQ why gay men would prefer “a man’s anus” over a vagina.

Interviewed for the January issue of GQ, Robertson said he could not understand why a man would choose to sleep with another man, instead of a woman.

“There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying?” he said. “But hey, sin: it’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical”.

Pressed to give his own definition of sin, he first suggested homosexuality, then added: “Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”

“Don’t be deceived,” he continued. “Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers – they won’t inherit the kingdom of God.”

Last week, Louisiana Republican Governor Bobby Jindal defended Robertson, saying the decision by the A&E television network to suspend him was a ”messed-up situation”.

Along with Sarah Palin, who initially defended Robertson without even reading his remarks, Alabama State Senator Jerry Fielding is the latest Republican to back the 67-year-old.

Mr Fielding plans to introduce a resolution condemning A&E in the Alabama Legislature next month.

Duck Dynasty follows the lives of the Robertsons, a family with old-fashioned conservative views who live together in Louisiana, running their multi-million dollar family business, Duck Commander – which makes products for duck hunters.

• Nov 29 2023

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