Duck Dynasty Patriarch Back After Gay Comments

The A&E channel has reversed its decision to drop "Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson from the show for his remarks about gay people.

In a statement released on Friday, A&E said it decided to bring Robertson back to the reality show after discussions with his family and "numerous advocacy groups".

The channel had put Robertson on what it called an indefinite "hiatus" following his comments in a GQ magazine article about how the Bible informs his view of gay people.

His remarks were attacked by groups including GLAAD, the gay media watch organisation.

But A&E's decision drew a backlash from those who said they supported Robertson's comments and others who defended him on the basis of freedom of speech.

Conservative politicians and fans said that Robertson's beliefs were consistent with the Bible.

Duck Dynasty ranks among the most-watched US cable television programmes and averages about eight million viewers per episode. Its fifth season is due to begin on January 15.

By lifting Robertson's suspension after nine days, A&E assures that the 67-year-old will not miss production of the series' sixth season about the wealthy Louisiana clan's life of hunting, fishing and domestic squabbles.

Asked what he thought was sinful, Robertson told GQ magazine: "Start with homosexual behaviour and just morph from there.

"Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men."

Although Robertson never apologised for his comments, his family did say they regretted his "coarse language".

A&E said at the time it was disappointed after reading Robertson's remarks, which it added were his personal views and did not reflect those of the network.

After reinstating Robertson A&E said of the show: "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."

Robertson founded the multi-million dollar family company Duck Commander which supplies duck-hunting equipment from their home town of West Monroe.