Today in Moral Cave-Ins: A&E Welcomes Homophobe Back to Duck Dynasty

You of course recall the hubbub surrounding fake reality show star Phil Robertson (of the incredibly fakey reality show Duck Dynasty) who compared homosexuality to bestiality, and was then rightly suspended from the show by network parents A&E. Well apparently, A&E thinks he’s been punished enough—or more likely, they feel like they’ve been punished enough by America’s screaming throng of outraged homophobes—and have welcomed Phil back on the show (who did not miss a single episode, btw). Want to see how a network backpedals on its own moral values? Here’s A&E’s press release, sent to the Hollywood Reporter:

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.

That is why we reacted so quickly and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson. While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the “coarse language” he used and the misinterpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.” We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article and reiterate that they are not views we hold.

But Duck Dynasty is not a show about one man’s views. It resonates with a large audience because it is a show about family … a family that America has come to love. As you might have seen in many episodes, they come together to reflect and pray for unity, tolerance and forgiveness. These are three values that we at A+E Networks also feel strongly about.

So 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.

We will also use this moment to launch a national public service campaign (PSA) promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people, a message that supports our core values as a company and the values found in Duck Dynasty. These PSAs will air across our entire portfolio.

Ahhhhhh, a press release filled with the same fake display of emotions exhibited by the fakey-fake-fake reality of Duck Dynasty. AND NOW THE CIRCLE IS COMPLETE. You win this round, also-fake-Christians.