In the wake of the controversial and unpopular news to suspend Phil Robertson, patriarch of the Duck Dynasty family, in the wake of his religious remarks to GQ Magazine, the A&E television network has announced that Duck Dynasty will resume filming and airing the popular TV show in 2014.
A&E's statement reads:
As a global media content company, A+E Networks’ core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect. We believe it is a privilege for our brands to be invited into people’s home and we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principals.
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 mis-interpretation 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. 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.
More
31 comments:
They are on thin ice, and trying to save face in the wake of Cracker Barrel geting the flames off them.
It took too long, though. I think they are really not sorry, just trying to plug the cannonball holes in the hull.
Rotsa Ruck!
This was about an employer's ability to take away a person's right to express his religious beliefs not Gay activism --
GLAAD just pushed their nose into another Pop Culture icon's face and got slapped hard for doing so because the average Joe they need for support on ballot issues has more of an attention span than they think
F them damage Done.
What a nauseating bunch of claptrap. They badly misjudged their stance on this and the public smote them.
The only thing A&E cares about is the bottom line. They found out they made a big mistake and now want the public to believe they actually have values. People should learn that they should always stand up for what is right and let the chips fall where they may.
I agree, A&E is a done deal. DD will live out the season, then bail to a more receptive network. Then, A&E will revert to their former place, maybe three hundred and twenty fifth, with chasing fays and hoarders.
If I were Phil, I would tell them to take a hike and sign with another network.
While I agree with just about every comment here, my hope is that Phil doesn't let all this support go to his head. I truly do not believe it will but I felt the need to say it.
As for A&E, total BS. I do not like their response and until the Family relocates to another channel I will no longer watch the show or re runs.
I think you all know me, I love the underdog and I firmly believe this Family is just that. However, if they can't see that A&E is simply covering their rear end for the moment and signs with them again, well, then its all about the money and not morals.
First of all no one cares what you people think..... This isn't a family of rednecks.... They are millionaires and the show is made for TV typical stuff. His freedom of speech wasn't impacted for a second. A&E also used their freedom of speech. Sadly too many people do the knee jerk and make noise over really nothing, it's already old news and fading fast. Next issue.....
10:07-You are off base. A&E had no right by law to take any sanctions against Robertson for stating his religious beliefs which are protected including in a work related setting. An employers can not take action against an employee for stating religious views. The only 'knee jerk' made was by A&E executives who didn't consult with discrimination attorneys before issuing the 'indefinite hiatus. Between this and other very valid lawsuits pertaining to this, Robertson could have brought A&E to their knees and they know it now.
Actually no laws were broken.... Pay attention and know the law before you talk about it......
Ok this is too all you law professors posting about this. Did any one of you professionals forget that the DD family is under something called a contract? That means A&E DOES have a say in what the family does or says as they now represent A&E. There was no freedom of anything violated here. Two sides spoke their mind, one side just happens to hold the contract......
I bet Mayor Jimmy didn't watch the show before all the commotion. (Unless he likes bearded mens.)
Fo Sho he won't watch now!
Finally the average everyday citizen is getting fed up with liberal America.
OH YES INDEED LAWS WERE BROKEN. Anti discrimination laws WHICH apply to religious views AND the workplace. Go directly to the EEOC website and read up on this.
And as far as any contract it was broken by A&E. He was suspended supposedly because of a "morals clause." The problem (and fact) is A&E has to prove they were damaged somehow by his comments (which aren't covered by a 'morals clause' anyway because religious views are protected)before they could take any action.
A&E had no choice but to reinstate Robertson.
9:27-Not a "law professor" but could very well be one. No money in that and the common wisdom is that law professors are so, because they couldn't make it as a lawyer.
While not a "free speech" issue in it's true sense, this is an anti discrimination issue, which no one seems to be mentioning short of Fox's Van Sustern. She's been saying since Day 1-that A&E can not take action by law, against Robertson for stating his religious views, contract or no contract, something even 1st year law students know.
Or maybe every bit of this entire thing was orchestrated from the beginning.You all talk like there is an absolute and clear border between the cable networks.There is not.What if DD switched to a brother or sister network and became more sensational than ever? That plan could easily be in the making when & if the fans quit watching it on A&E.Win win for A&E either way.
anonymous 10:48, I questioned that myself. However, I think A&E would have responded more like Cracker Barrel if they had made such a move. A&E never really apologized.
Joe, From a legal standpoint if A&E apologizes then they have pretty much admitted that they did if fact violate (federal) anti discrimination laws. From the point of issuing the "indefinite hiatus" the ball was entirely in Robertson's court. He could have smacked them immediately with 2 lawsuits-discrimination and some form of breech of contract.
Apology means admission of guilt in Legalese. The only way A&E would ever apologize, is if Phil Robertson agreed to a Covenant Not To Sue release.
There's a pretty clear picture of what discrimination is (according to the language of The Act). Phil Robertson’s comment revolve around his a) belief in natural sexual relationships, and b) his religious beliefs. A&E suspended him for sharing his beliefs, which is a violation of The Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Most are focused on the issue of Free Speech, but this is the real issue. Go to any legal message board (BTW,where liberal views are rampant) and the overwhelming opinion is that yes, A&E violated The Act and they are well aware of that fact now.
oh thank heavens! I wasn't sure how this would play out. Now everyone can go on making millions, the queers will have a reason to raise money, a&e will get their money the robertsons will get more and maybe just maybe even poor ol Jessie will get in on the action!
Ain't America great?
A&E has fallen pretty far since the mid-90's, when it ran terrific miniseries such as "Pride and Prejudice" and the British mysteries "Touch of Frost" and "Cracker." Now it's just a bunch of crap reality shows(like TLC's offerings)plus reruns of major network series.
Toldja so.
What is interesting is what we all can do together as "WE THE PEOPLE" and how we can affect History...We can do this again in 2014 Elections...
It all comes down to money
9:27 AM
I don't believe there was any clause in that 'contract' to limit his speech or any other reasonable actions.
All he did, in my view, was quote from the Bible and agree with what he quoted. Some people got highly upset that what he quoted went against their own beliefs, or lack of them, pointed out the sins, and gave them a national/global black eye.
A&E and Cracker Barrel both tried to punish him for his views and his words. Which really were not his words, but were the Bibles'.
And both companies quickly realized their folly and back tracked. Too little too late for me. They should never had said or done anything in response to his interview in GQ. There would not have been an uproar, or at least this big of one, if they minded their own business.
I never thought about it being staged. I guess it is possible, but I surely hope not. Then Phil would not be the man I think he is.
A&E admitted in this press release they do not share his beliefs, but still want to come across as 'family oriented' or whatever they are trying to portray themselves as.
Thas is complete bs, and they just keep digging the hole deeper.
Sadly, some people in this country, and on this blog, have back slid so far they cannot even recognize morals, and want to reward bad behavior and condemn good behavior.
This is just another example of money rules, and morals only count when it affects the bottom line.
On Nov 2, 2016 VOTE for Phil
People need to get out of their heads that Robertson has a contract, A&E were within their rights, etc. First off A&E, had no right legally to take any action against Robertson for stating his religious views-PERIOD-End Of Story! Religious views are protected including in a work environment, unlike just general speech. Action by an employer taken against an employee for stating religious views is NOT allowed by law.
As far as a contract, the pertinent part would be something known as a Morals Clause. The problem here would be the Network has to prove they were damaged by Robertson's words, to enforce that clause in any contract.
The ACLU has been asked numerous times to weigh in on this and they have refused. That is because they would have to admit (if they wish to remain credible) that a very serious (discrimination) law was broken by A&E.
I liked A&E's statement that they operate "...with a strong sense of integrity...".
Until money enters the picture.
LOL lmclain. It's known as The Golden Rule-He With the Gold Rules. Cash Cow Robertson vs. Big Mouth Homosexuals. Money wins each and every time.
Post a Comment