LOS ANGELES — “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson will return to work on A&E’s reality show, the channel said Friday, reversing its decision to suspend him after facing a backlash.
In a statement Friday, A&E said it was bringing Robertson back after discussions with his Louisiana family featured in the reality series and “numerous advocacy groups.” Last week, the channel had put Robertson on what it called an indefinite “hiatus” because of his comments in a GQ magazine article that the Bible views gays as sinners akin to adulterers, prostitutes and swindlers.
Robertson’s remarks were slammed by groups including GLAAD, the gay rights watchdog organization. But A&E’s move provoked a flood of support for Robertson. His well-known supporters included former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.
While reiterating that Robertson’s views are not those of the channel, A&E noted Friday that he has publicly said he would “never incite or encourage hate.”
