Realtree, a hunting and outdoors company, released a statement Monday reaffirming its partnership with the Duck Commander team, including Phil Robertson. The company also made it clear that they support "everyone's right to their opinion" and made no attempt to apologize or clarify for Robertson.
This undated image released by A&E shows brothers Silas "Uncle Si" Robertson, left, and Phil Robertson from the popular series "Duck Dynasty." Phil Robertson was suspended last week for disparaging comments he made to GQ magazine about gay people. (AP Photo/A&E, Zach Dilgard)
"Realtree’s partnership with Phil Robertson and the Duck Commander team has remained strong for nearly a decade. Our plan is to continue that partnership," the statement reads. "As a company, our values align well with the Robertson’s. Realtree's “Family, Friends and the Outdoors” slogan is one we take to heart. We support everyone’s right to their opinion, and we certainly support Phil’s right to his."
The statement comes as other companies contemplate their relationship with the "Duck Dynasty" crew.
Cracker Barrel decided to stop selling "Duck Dynasty" merchandise, only to quickly reverse the decision following public outrage.
"You told us we made a mistake," the company wrote on its Facebook page. "And, you weren't shy about it. You wrote, you called and you took to social media to express your thoughts and feelings. You flat out told us we were wrong. We listened. Today, we are putting all our Duck Dynasty products back in our stores."
Robertson created controversy after he expressed his views on homosexuality in an interview with GQ. He argued that homosexuality is a sin and "not logical." Read more of Robertson's GQ interview in our original post here.
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