The decision to suspend Phil Robertson from the popular reality cable show Duck Dynasty has been overturned today.
Cable network A&E announced on Dec. 27 that the Robertson family patriarch will be allowed to join the show again after suspending him for his homosexual comments made to men's GQ magazine earlier this month.
Robertson told GQ: "Everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong ... Sin becomes fine. Start with homosexual behaviour and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men."
He continued, "Don't be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers - they won't inherit the kingdom of God. Don't deceive yourself. It's not right."
Robertson's remarks prompted A&E to suspend him from the show on Dec. 18, which had sparked controversy among the show's fans. Multiple online petitions were created to bring back Phil Robertson to the show, with thousands threatening to boycott the show.
In a statement released today, A&E stated: "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 homes and we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principles."
Duck Dynasty is the most popular reality cable show of all time. Following the controversy, Duck Dynasty merchandise across retailers had been selling like hotcakes in support of Robertson. The show is based around the Robertson family, who run a duck-call manufacturing business.
