Phil Robertson on Indefinite Hiatus From ‘Duck Dynasty’ Following Remarks on Homosexuality

A&E has reportedly placed “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson on indefinite hiatus from the show after he made a number of brutally honest comments about homosexuality in an interview with GQ.

“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely,” A&E said in a statement. [ Full Article ]

My Opinion:

Phil Robertson is on the payroll of A&E. That means his appearance on Duck Dynasty is SPONSORED by companies who put their BRAND behind the show and it’s cast.

When the members of Duck Dynasty made the decision to sellout to a network – they made the decision to GIVE UP their right to their own opinions. Everything they say and do is now tied to sponsors. That’s the thing a lot of these “Reality TV” stars don’t consider when they sign their soul over to the devil in exchange for the almighty dollar.

The Butter Owns The Bread!

When any of us go to work for anyone, we must sign our name on documents that agree to certain rules and guidelines. If we don’t like those rules, then we shouldn’t work there. Another example that comes to mind is the teacher who worked for a Catholic school and was terminated because of fertility drugs. She knew going in that fertility drugs went against the faith, so the termination should not have come as any major surprise. Do some research if you take a strong position against anything in their repertoire, avoid the company or become aware of what opinions you’ll need to keep to yourself.

Putting All Your Eggs In One Basket

The trademark beards, camouflage, sunglasses, hats, bandana, catchphrases – they all become one with the Duck Dynasty logo and empire.

Those guys may have been savvy enough to grow duck callers into a multi-million dollar business, but they weren’t smart enough to keep all their eggs out of one basket. Instead, they were being tempted by fame and fortune.

I took 10 minutes to do a quick drive-by of A&E and the Duck Commander websites – I moved from one to the other and then onto more sites created by the bunch where the terms of service and disclaimers all have details of using the logos, content, software that are owned by Duck Dynasty. By doing so, the entire empire has been built on a foundation of toothpicks – if the Duck deal falls, all the other little shoots that have sprouted off will fall too.

How I Avoided Selling My Soul

Years ago, I had the opportunity to work for a couple of major brands. I was offered a sizeable salary if I would tie my name as an STD patient advocate to their products. The amount of money and perks were very tempting, but knowing what I know about marketing and red tape, I asked the right questions.

I wanted to know their thought on a handful of my own opinions. When I was informed that a couple of those opinions would go against regulations and guidelines, I politely told them “Thanks, but no thanks.”

What happened instead was that I was asked to join their speakers bureaus. That allowed me to remain independent and free to maintain my own thoughts and opinions but still work for the brands I had come to value.

Be Careful Who You Put In Charge Of Your Livelihood

I’m not saying I do or do not agree with what Phil Robertson – that’s not saying I do or don’t like the dude – what I am saying is, he sold his soul to the devil through the temptations of the almighty dollar and now he is paying the price.

If he wants to keep his opinions and be able to say whatever he wants, whenever he wants, he should sign with a network that is more in line with his views or better yet, not sign with any network.

Seriously, A&E? Outside of GayTV, is there any network that is more supportive of the LGBT community?

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