TV Execs Furious Over A&E Decision to Reinstate 'Duck Dynasty' Patriarch Phil Robertson
After the controversy surrounding Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson subsided and the suspended cast member was reinstated, other network higher-ups are upset with how A&E backtracked after a short period given the notoriety of the show and its cast members.
A&E decided to reinstate the family patriarch after 10 days following a wave of public support for the outspoken Christian. Still sources reveal that other network executives are not pleased with how the company handled the situation.
"Several high-ranking executives have expressed upset over the way this all played out. The network execs think that in allowing Phil to come back so quickly and seamlessly, without apology, sets a bad standard," the source told FOX News. "The standard being that talent can say whatever offensive thing they want about gay people or other groups and get away with it. No consequences."
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The anonymous source added that A&E is just a business and made a calculated decision in the best interest of maintaining their business which outsiders must not fail to consider.
"It's all about money. I guess many feel that A&E should have taken a stronger stand," the source added. "Where do moral standards go from here? Does this now mean stars can say whatever offensive things they want under the guise of freedom of speech, without repercussion?"
Robertson, a devout Christian, was the focus of the controversy when he gave his honest take on what the Bible says regarding homosexuality and what constituted sin during an interview with GQ Magazine.
"It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man -- would be more desirable than a man's anus. That's just me. I'm just thinking: 'There's more there! She's got more to offer.' I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."
Still media experts state that A&E could have damaged their reputation far worse if they did not rescind the suspension when they did.
"At the end of the day, entertainment is big business and clearly A&E decided that 'this too shall pass.' Sometimes avoiding the major news as would have occurred has they fired him would have been more damaging to their brand then simply having Robertson continue on," Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5WPR, told Fox. "Not all press is good press."
