Under Armour Keeps Ties To Duck Dynasty Despite Controversy
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The controversy rages on over comments made by the star of Duck Dynasty. There are questions about whether the hit reality TV show will go on without Phil Robertson.
One of its sponsors, Baltimore company Under Armour, is standing by the dynasty.
Monique Griego has the latest.
Under Armour is one of the main sponsors of the franchise, and so far, it's keeping its ties to both shows.
The controversy erupting over Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has Baltimore-based Under Armour's relationship to the show in the spotlight.
This week, A&E suspended Robertson, the reality show's patriarch, for comments he made about gays and blacks to GQ Magazine.
When interviewed in GQ magazine, Robertson called homosexuality a sin and said African-Americans were "happy" in the pre-Civil Rights era South.
Under Armour's clothes are prominently featured on the show. It's also a title sponsor of Duck Commander.
While the company says it does not condone Robertson's comments, as of now, it's keeping its ties to the franchise.
In a statement to WJZ, it said: "The recent comments in the GQ article are not reflective of Under Armour's beliefs and do not represent our point of view. As a company, we are committed to diversity and inclusion and believe in treating everyone equally and with respect."
Customers WJZ spoke with were split on whether Under Armour's decision to stick with Duck Dynasty changed their view of the company.
"Someone sponsoring something, of course they stand behind what they say," said Under Armour customer Kia Boose.
"I don't agree at all with what he said," said April Rancier, customer.
Griego: "But would it make you question whether you should shop here?"
Rancier: "Nope, not at all."
"They're not suggesting that anyone who buys Under Armour has those same beliefs," said Angie Pallozzi, customer.
There's also been a strong backlash against A&E from supporters who feel Robertson was unfairly suspended.
Robertson has since released a statement. In it, he says while he does have his own beliefs, he would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from him.
A Facebook page calling for people to boycott A&E until Robertson is brought back has more than 1 million "likes."
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