Culture

A&E Reverses Phil Robertson's "Duck Dynasty" Suspension, Says Core Values of "Inclusion" Caused it to React So Strongly

Surprise

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Reason

Duck Dynasty reruns have been getting a lot of play on A&E, and given the backlash to its suspension of the show's star, perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise the network's reversed itself.

From USA Today:

A&E has ducked away from a controversy surrounding the stars of its hugely popular reality series Duck Dynasty

In a statement, the network cited its "core values" of "inclusion and mutual respect" to explain why "we reacted so quickly and strongly." "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."

More Reason on the Duck Dynasty brouhaha here, here, and here.

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