1.3M Like 'Stand With Phil Robertson' Facebook Page; Twice as Popular as A&E Page
A Facebook group demanding that A&E reinstate "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson has become more popular than the A&E's official Facebook page.
As of Friday, "Stand With Phil Robertson" has garnered more than 1.3 million likes on Facebook, versus A&E's approximately 588,000.
Earlier this week Robertson was indefinitely suspended by A&E over his remarks against homosexuality in a GQ interview.
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Created by activist Eric Odom not long after news of the suspension broke, Stand With Phil Robertson was one of several Facebook pages created in support of the "Duck Dynasty" personality.
"A&E has suspended Phil Robertson. Join the movement to make our voices heard... WE STAND WITH PHIL!," reads the group's description.
Within hours of the Wednesday evening announcement of the suspension, the group garnered hundreds of thousands of likes. By Thursday, Stand With Phil Robertson reached the one million mark.
The official Facebook page of A&E has, as of Friday morning, approximately 588,000 likes and ironically enough has several posts on its main page about upcoming "Duck Dynasty" episodes and specials.
As of Thursday evening, there are no posts on the A&E page regarding the Robertson controversy, but several individuals have posted comments expressing their grievances with the news.
"Phil Robertson is entitled to his beliefs! This is the United States of America! If you don't like his views don't watch," posted Lori Anne.
"Kick off 'Duck Dynasty' and you become another non-watched network on our television. He has every right to his opinion as much as the people that demand that everyone holds their opinion," posted Thom Harris.
While fans of Robertson continue to express their opposition to A&E's decision, gay advocacy groups have expressed their support
In a recently released statement, GLAAD's spokesperson Wilson Cruz stood by the cable channel's action because Robertson's remarks were "unacceptable."
"What's clear is that such hateful anti-gay comments are unacceptable to fans, viewers, and networks alike," said Cruz.
"By taking quick action and removing Robertson from future filming, A&E has sent a strong message that discrimination is neither a Christian nor an American value."
In addition to the Facebook groups and pages, many conservative groups have also launched online petitions demanding A&E reverse its decision.
Also several conservative politicians and social commentators have declared that Robertson's rights to speech and religion were in some way violated by A&E's decision.
In a recently released statement, the Robertson family itself said that they stand by Phil and will work with A&E to reach an agreement.
