Amidst Growing Pressure, A&E Welcome Phil Robertson Back To 'Duck Dynasty'

_Duck Dynasty'_s Phil Robertson will return to the show following a short suspension period, owing to his off hand comments about homosexuals in a recent interview with GQ. His comments shocked many, yet to others it was a breath of fresh air to hear some rampant bigotry in mainstream media (other than Fox News) and the actions taken against Phil following the publication of his remarks was met with with ardent opposition and calls that his freedom of speech being breached. Following this opposition, Phil Robertson has been reinstated to his role on Duck Dynasty.

Phil's Sons Willie & Jase Robertson have stood by their father

Obviously, his reinstatement has only appeased a certain number of people, with those outraged by his comments once again red in the face as he seemingly side-steps retribution for his archaic views. In a statement released to the Hollywood Reporter by A&E, the network tried to explain their reasoning behind Phil's initial suspension and then his sudden return. In the statement, the networks claims that it's "core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect," going on to describe the network as having a "strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principles."

Apparently, it is through these morals that led to Phil being ousted from Duck Dynasty so hastily, however the comments only "reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs" and do not reflect the views of the network or the rest of the show's crew, the statement continues. The statement goes on: "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."

Some of the DD Clan: John Luke, Sadie, Willie & Korie

The channel go on to state that their programming will now come with a PSA (Public Service Announcement) before each episode, one that indicates and highlights these core values, adding that the Robertson family have agreed to work alongside the network to promote tolerance. Whilst his reinstatement has appealed to certain groups, mostly Christian organisations such as the online petition group IStandWithPhil.com, his reinstatement has understandably angered a great many people.

Next page: Organisations speak in support, and opposition, to Phil Robertson's reinstatement

Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer, issued a statement (via THR) that praised Robertson's reinstatement, but questioned the explanation issued by A&E surrounding the reinstatement. It read, “Despite our celebration, we remain uncertain of A&E's true intent. Today, in the network’s statement of their core values – centered on ‘creativity, inclusion, and mutual respect’ - Faith Driven Consumers are left wondering whether A&E considers us to be a part of America's rich rainbow of diversity. Do they also now embrace the biblically based values and worldview held by the Robertson family and millions of Faith Driven Consumers?"

Very excited A&E is resuming Duck Dynasty with Phil Robertson. We need more ignorant homophobic racists who probably hate women on the air.

— billy eichner (@billyeichner) December 27, 2013

Gay rights campaigners GLAAD issued their own statement to THR in relation to his reinstatement, it read: "Phil Robertson should look African American and gay people in the eyes and hear about the hurtful impact of praising Jim Crow laws and comparing gay people to terrorists. If dialogue with Phil is not part of next steps then A+E has chosen profits over African American and gay people – especially its employees and viewers."

Why you should ALWAYS push back against language and thought policing. Always. http://t.co/0nsiIdUIx7

— Jim Norton (@JimNorton) December 28, 2013

Meanwhile, the entire Robertson family have agreed to stand by their family patriarch and have not left his corner since the fallout to his comments began. The network have also reacted limitedly since Phil's initial suspension and have continued to air episodes of Duck Dynasty, including a marathon of episodes on Christmas Day. The premiere of season five on 15 January never looked in threat of being cancelled either, which brings into question A&E's real beliefs, but really only just highlights the popularity of Duck Dynasty, a show that was never going to be in danger of being cancelled any time soon, and the financial gains it brings to A&E.

I'm sure the Jim Crow era blacks have zero complaints about A&E bringing back Phil Robertson. They're happy about everything.

— Travon Free (@Travon) December 28, 2013

Duck Dynasty is by far the biggest asset owned by the A&E channel and it one of the most popular reality programmes on television today, not to mention being the second most popular programme on cable television, only behind AMC's The Walking Dead. What's more, the Duck Dynasty name has become a popular brand across America, with DD gear available to buy at Walmart, Sears and various other retailers across the country. With such financial backing and cultural following, did you really ever see the show being in danger of cancelation?