Business As Usual for 'Duck Dynasty' TV Franchise

After a week of social media furor, the A&E cable network has officially reinstated Phil Robertson on its hit reality show “Duck Dynasty,”reports the Washington Post.

The network had suspended Robertson for making controversial comments about homosexuality and race relations, the Post said. Other members of Robertson’s family then said they couldn’t film the hit show without him, and over the weekend the network changed its mind.

“After discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming ‘Duck Dynasty’ later this spring with the entire Robertson family,” the network said in a statement released late Friday, according to the newspaper.

Baltimore-based sports apparel maker Under Armour found its Facebook page flooded with comments – mostly supporting Robertson – after announcing that it would keep its ties to the "Duck Dynasty" franchise, reported the Baltimore Sun. The company says it does not condone Robertson's statements.

"The recent comments in the GQ article are not reflective of Under Armour's beliefs and do not represent our point of view," the company said in a statement. "As a company, we are committed to diversity and inclusion and believe in treating everyone equally and with respect."

Under Armour provides much of the camouflage clothing worn by the stars of the reality TV show and is the title sponsor of a “Duck Dynasty” spinoff show, “Buck Commander,” the Baltimore Business Journal says.