A&E reverses suspension of 'Duck Dynasty' star after fan outcry

Cable network A&E will reinstate family patriarch Phil Robertson to the hit reality show "Duck Dynasty" after fans decried his suspension over anti-gay remarks, and big-name corporate sponsors stuck by the series.

Robertson's remarks to GQ magazine and his subsequent suspension by A&E sparked a nationwide debate over tolerance, religion, and free speech, with conservative politicians and fans saying that Robertson's beliefs were consistent with the Bible.

"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 released late Friday. A&E said it intended to air a national public service campaign "promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people."

Robertson, the leader of a Louisiana clan on a show about hunting, fishing and domestic squabbles, was put on indefinite "hiatus" on Dec. 18 by A&E for his remarks to GQ magazine characterizing homosexuality as sinful behavior.

By reinstating Robertson, A&E made a quick reversal for a network that is jointly owned by two media behemoths, Walt Disney Co. and privately held Hearst Corp., but the move was not entirely surprising given the big money at stake.

"Duck Dynasty" merchandise alone, which ranges from sporting goods and apparel to camouflage furniture, has brought in some $400 million in sales, according to Forbes magazine.

"Duck Dynasty" sponsors and retailers selling branded merchandise, such as Target and Walmart, also stuck with the show, although most remained silent during the public debate. 

Restaurant chain Cracker Barrel notably bowed to customer pressure last weekend and restocked Phil Robertson-themed merchandise after initially pulling it from shelves.

The controversy was also seen as a test for the entertainment industry's ability to appeal to audiences in the heartland of America. "Duck Dynasty" ranks among the most-watched cable television programs and averages about 8 million viewers per episode. Its fifth season is slated to begin on Jan. 15. The show's fourth season debuted in August to 11.8 million viewers, a record for a cable nonfiction series, according to the network.

By lifting Robertson's suspension after only nine days, A&E protected itself from the 67-year-old missing any production of the series' sixth season and quashed any mutiny by his family, who had threatened to rebel without Robertson on board.

Although Robertson never apologized for his comments, his family did say they regretted his "coarse language," which included graphic descriptions of male and female anatomy.

"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph from there," Robertson said when asked what is sinful. "Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men."

Reuters