Phil Robertson Suspension Lifted, Duck Dynasty to Resume Filming in Spring

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Turns out the suspension of Phil Robertson wasn't all it was quacked up to be.

A&E announced this afternoon that the "indefinite hiatus" it placed the Duck Dynasty star on this month - for inflammatory statements made in an interview with GQ - is over... and its flagship series will resume filming in the spring.

Duck Dynasty Star

Said the network in a statement, referencing the anti-gay comments that landed Robertson in the spotlight last week:

“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."

It added:

“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.”

A public outcry followed the punishment of Robertson, as a debate broke out over First Amendment rights and the family stood strongly behind its patriarch.

New installments will air next month and you can watch Duck Dynasty online now to catch up.

SHOULD A&E HAVE LIFTED ITS SUSPENSION OF ROBERTSON ALREADY?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.

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Duck Dynasty Quotes

You ever seen a dead animal in the road? That's the way your brain will look.

Phil

What are y'all doing? Why ain’t y'all working?

Willie