Noting that the remarks “go beyond being outlandishly inaccurate and offensive” and are actually “dangerous and revisionist, appealing to those in our society who wish to repeat patterns of discrimination,” the letter said Robertson’s “words show an unbridled lack of respect for African Americans and LGBT people, and the ongoing challenges members of our communities continue to experience on a daily basis.”
“Surely a brand like A&E does not want to be associated with such racist and homophobic remarks,” it concluded.
Robertson’s remarks about African Americans could ultimately be more damaging in the longterm than what he said about homosexuals, according to one expert.
“Racial comments are often career killers — as are scandals involving children and animals,” David E. Johnson, who is the CEO of public relations and branding agency Strategic Vision, tells Yahoo TV. “Yet, looking at the demographics who are attracted to ‘Duck Dynasty,’ we see an older, more conservative, and evangelical audience. These people will take the comments with a grain of salt. This is because Phil Robertson and the ‘Duck Dynasty’ brand is one that is viewed as politically incorrect and says what is on their mind. So, in that light, the comments are unlikely to do damage — unless African Americans begin emerging and demonstrating he has discriminated against [them].”
However, “Barring that, overall, his comments and the controversy has in all likelihood strengthened the brand,” adds Johnson.
On Wednesday night, the cable network did denounce the “Duck Dynasty” patriarch. In addition to suspending him indefinitely from filming, they said in a statement, “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.”