Las Vegas: "Duck Commander Musical" To Close After Four Weeks

Duck Commander Musical, based on the popular reality TV show Duck Dynasty, has announced it will close May 17th.

The show had it's official opening on April 15th at the Rio’s Crown Theater in Las Vegas.

According to reports, calls were made to the crew today informing them the show would close.

To be fair, the reviews were not bad. Not GREAT mind you, but not bad. I hate seeing actors out of work, but clearly the brand has lost it's lustre.

The once popular reality juggernaut came under fire when the show's patriarch, Phil Robertson,gave an interview to GQ Magazine in 2013 where he shared anti-gay animus:

"It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.

[snip]

"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men. Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right."

In the aftermath of the interview, the TV series saw a decline of 50% of it's audience.

News Round-Up - Week of September 7, 2014

The UK's Stuart Hatton named Mr. Gay World 2014

• 28 year old Stuart Hatton, Mr. Gay U.K. 2014, ascended to the global throne when he was recently crowned Mr. Gay World 2014


• Anti-gay former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and wife found guilty of taking over $165,000 in "gifts"

• The 30 day stay on Broward County ruling for marriage equality has passed. Will marriage licenses be issued soon?

• Tennessee pastor doubles down on homophobia; says gays "must be put to death"

• Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson has a foreign policy plan to deal with ISIS: "Convert them or kill them"

• This is the worst AirBNB rental in the universe

• Something special about Robin Williams you probably didn't know

One more pic of Stuart Hatton, Mr. Gay World 2014

Duck Dynasty personality Phil Robertson says he's "as much of a homophobe as Jesus was"

Anti-gay Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty fame, has written a new book - UnPHILtered - to "clear the air" on several topics.

Of course, one of those being his now famous comments about gays in an GQ interview that saw him be suspended from his TV show.

In this interview with ABC, Robertson is asked if he thinks he's a homophobe. His response: I'm as much of a homophobe as Jesus was."

I somehow doubt that. Watch the interview below:

Duck Dynasty ratings continue decline, cast members still bashing gays

In an interview with CNN, Duck Dynasty's Willie Robertson didn't miss a chance to address his father Phil’s comparison of gays to drunkards and thieves.  Willie told CNN, ““I believe what the Bible says and that’s what he says to put those in.”

When asked if “the Bible is literal,” Willie Robertson said, “That’s how it was said.”

The Hollywood Reporter made note of the fact that the ratings for “Duck Dynasty” are continuing to decline, adding, “it seems safe to say that the series’ glory days are now behind it.”

More at CNN

Duck Dynasty audience drops by more than 50% since last summer

Wednesday night's Duck Dynasty episode drew an audience numbering less than half what the show saw just last summer.

Wednesday saw an audience of 4.7 million versus 11.7 million last summer.

Now let me think - what has changed since last summer? Could it be... Phil Robertson's anti-gay comments? The revelation that the DD guys aren't exactly who they present themselves to be?

While the show still has enviable numbers, it is no longer the highest rated show on cable TV.

As the Hollywood Reporter put it, "If history is any guide, Duck Dynasty should see an uptick with its March 26 ender, but it seems safe to say that the series' glory days are now behind it."

Guests at the State of the Union Address - Duck Dynasty and an American hero

Via Teabonics

In a study in contrasts, at last night's State of the Union address, First Lady Michelle Obama hosted and sat next to Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg, an Army Ranger who was wounded in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan.

Praising the 30-year-old Army Ranger, President Obama introduced the Ranger saying "like the Army he loves, like the America he serves, SFC Cory Remsburg never gives up, and he does not quit."  The introduction was the emotional highlight of the address.

Over on the GOP side of guests for the evening, Willie Robertson, of “Duck Dynasty” fame, attended at the invitation of Rep. Vance McAllister, R-La.

Things that make you go "hmm...."

DUCK DYNASTY continues slide in ratings

I guess we'll never know ALL the reasons why, but coming right on the heels of Duck Dynasty patriarch's anti-gay comments last month the series has taken a significant hit in the ratings.

From Variety:

One week after returning to kick off its fifth season with a 3.3 rating in adults 18-49 and 8.5 million viewers overall, “Duck Dynasty” slid to a 2.9 in the demo and 6.65 million total viewers, according to Nielsen.

This is the smallest same-night crowd for an original episode of the series since the second-season finale drew 6.45 million in December 2012.

One Direction's Liam has "huge love" for Duck Dynasty's "values"

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. But One Direction's Liam Payne confused the Twitterverse with his tweet today sending"huge love" to the Duck Dynasty family.

You'll recall the Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson recently found himself in hot water due to his anti-gay remarks in a GQ Magazine interview.

It's impossible to believe that Liam Payne sent his message not thinking it would relate to the anti-gay animus coming from Phil Robertson and company.

Payne later tweeted: "Being a fan of someones show and the way they still hold a family together doesnt mean i am ok with all they say."

Hmm.....

DUCK DYNASTY sees 28% drop in ratings premiere after anti-gay debacle

A&E aired the premiere of the fifth season of DUCK DYNASTY last night, and the ratings saw a significant drop after the controversy over Phil Robertson's anti-gay remarks, EW reports:

Wednesday night’s Duck Dynasty season 5 premiere had 8.5 million viewers. That’s huge for a cable reality show, but down 28 percent from its record-setting fourth season debut in August (11.8 million). It’s also slightly down from the show’s third season premiere in February last year (8.6 million). A&E notes the number up slightly from the fourth season finale on Oct. 23 (though obviously it’s standard to compare premieres to premieres).

Robertson was placed on a brief suspension after his remarks and received a slap on the wrist from A&E, but didn't end up losing a single one for his statements in GQ, in which he compared  homosexual sinners to terrorists, prostitutes, and drunks.

Cult of Dusty reads hate mail, death threats from DUCK DYNASTY fans

So, vlogger Cult of Dusty is officially one of the best things on the internet. I so proclaim it to be so.

Dusty got in a bit of a "dust up" (did you see what I did there?) a few weeks ago during the height of the DUCK DYNASTY debacle where Phil Robertson told GQ Magazine that gays will burn in hell or whatever.

Dusty posted a video sharing some of his thoughts on the issue including the fact that Phil and company were actually clean shaven preppies before they costumed up for the reality show.

Apparently he got lots of hate mail, including mail with death threats, from the fans of the show. Classy fans you got there Phil Robertson - see what you inspire?

So, Dusty is back to share some of the lovely messages he got from God's Gentle people.

Dusty rocks. Period.

Homeless Center Director Carl Siciliano on Phil Robertson debacle

Graphic via Memeographs

"When Phil Robertson and others condemn LGBT people in the name of Christ, they help create a climate where many religious parents condemn their LGBT children.

"The Ali Forney Center is inundated with youths from across the country who have been thrown out of their homes by religious parents who rejected them. Over 200,000 LGBT youths are enduring homelessness in the USA.

"LGBT youth will not be safe until more Christians follow the example of Jesus Christ, who never uttered a word in judgment or condemnation of LGBT people."

- A Statement from Ali Forney Center Executive Director, Carl Siciliano, regarding Phil Robertson.

Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty: You need to marry a 15 year old girl

In this clip, Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty at the Sportsmen's Ministry in Georgia in 2009:

"Now that's a woman. They got to where they're hard to find. Mainly because these boys are waiting til they're twenty years old before they marry them.

"Look, you wait til they get to be twenty years old and the the only picking that's going to take place is your pocket.

"You got to marry these girls when they're about fifteen or sixteen and they'll pick your ducks."

Now, if an adult male were to "date" a 15 year old boy, he would be attacked as a pedophile.

You have to wonder about how those same "moralists" will react to Phil Robertson advising men to find wives who are 15 years old...?

A&E backpedals on "suspension" of Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty

A&E Networks has lifted the "indefinite" suspension of Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty.

Robertson set off a firestorm after his incendiary comments to GQ Magazine earlier this month comparing homosexuality to bestiality.  A&E's initial reactions was to "suspend" the patriarch from filming. 

Robertson has not missed any filming to date.

An A&E statement to The Hollywood Reporter read:

As a global media content company, A+E Networks’ core values are centered around creativity, inclusion and mutual respect. We believe it is a privilege for our brands to be invited into people’s home and we operate with a strong sense of integrity and deep commitment to these principals.

That is why we reacted so quickly and strongly to a recent interview with Phil Robertson. 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 mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article. He also made it clear he would “never incite or encourage hate.” We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article, and reiterate that they are not views we hold.

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.

So after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming Duck Dynasty later this spring with the entire Robertson family.

We will also use this moment to launch a national public service campaign (PSA) promoting unity, tolerance and acceptance among all people, a message that supports our core values as a company, and the values found in Duck Dynasty. These PSAs will air across our entire portfolio.

Sarah Palin admits she never read the Phil Robertson interview she defended

Well, this should come as no surprise.

Sarah Palin, the former half-term governor of Alaska, made an appearance on Greta Van Susteren's show last night to talk about the endangered species that is "free speech," and the Duck Dynasty debacle.

It turns out Ms. Palin, who jumped at the chance to stand up for Phil Robertson and his comments comparing homosexuality and bestiality, had never even read the interview.

When pressed by Fox News host Greta Van Susteren whether the language Robertson used when talking about his opposition to homosexuality was graphic and offensive, Palin admitted she didn’t know what Robertson had said.

“I haven’t read the article. I don’t know exactly how he said it,” Palin said Monday on Fox News’s “On the Record with Greta Van Susteren.”

After the GQ interview was published, Palin immediately came to Robertson’s defense by posting a statement on Facebook saying it was an issue of free speech and defended his comments in a TV appearance with Sean Hannity.

"I defend what he said! What did he say?"

Priceless.

(via Politico)

Phil Robertson - THIS is having your freedom stifled

Those folks protesting that Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty fame, has had his "freedom of speech" stifled by being suspended from the hit TV show might want to take a look at this American citizen sentenced to a year in jail in Dubai for making a "parody" video:

An American man detained for months in the United Arab Emirates and seven co-defendants were fined and sentenced to up to a year in prison Monday after being convicted in connection to a satirical video about youth culture in Dubai.

The video they produced and uploaded to the Internet was a spoof documentary of would-be "gangsta" youth in the Gulf Arab city-state. The state-owned daily The National said they were accused of "defaming the image of United Arab Emirates society abroad."

Shezanne Cassim, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen from Woodbury, Minn., became the public face of the defendants after his family launched an effort to publicize his months-long incarceration following his arrest in April.

Cassim, who was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Dubai for work after graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2006, was sentenced Monday to a year in prison followed by deportation and received a 10,000 dirham ($2,725) fine, according to family spokeswoman Jennifer Gore.

[snip]

Gulf Arab authorities have been cracking down on social media use over the past two years, with dozens of people arrested across the region for Twitter posts deemed offensive to leaders or for social media campaigns urging more political openness.

The video, called "Ultimate Combat System: The Deadly Satwa Gs," is set in the Satwa district of Dubai. It is a documentary style clip that pokes fun at Dubai youth who styled themselves "gangstas" but are not particularly thuggish, and shows fictional "combat" training that includes throwing a sandal and using a mobile phone to call for help.

THIS is losing your right to freedom of speech and expression.

Being suspended by your employer because you embarrassed them is not.

Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson breaks his silence, addresses his anti-gay comments in GQ Magazine

Following a firestorm over his anti-gay comments, Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson is explaining himself—though he isn't backing down. Robertson allowed the Daily Mail access to a Bible study group in his church. "I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater," he said in a speech.

As for his GQ comments, "I am just reading what was written over 2,000 years ago. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom. All I did was quote from the scriptures, but they just didn’t know it. Whether I said it, or they read it, what’s the difference?"

Robertson led the group in prayer, noting that "I will not give or back off from my path because you conquered death, Father, so we are not worried about all the repercussions," the Hollywood Reporter notes.

Meanwhile, TMZ is reporting that the religious Hunt Channel and outdoor-focused Pursuit Channel are expressing interest in the Robertsons should A+E drop the hit TV show.

(via Newser)

Since Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty likes to quote the Bible...

Graphic via Jarred and Dave

I figure anti-gay but wealthy Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame must stay up late at night pondering this quote from Jesus in the Bible:

"And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter in to the kingdom of God." - Matthew 19:24

Things that make you go "hmm..."

Duck Dynasty cast members - Before and After?

Cast members before Duck Dynasty: clean-cut and golfing

According to John Prager at aattp.org, the Duck Dynasty image of rough around the edges, red-necks isn't quite the full picture of the Robertson clan.

Check out the pic above and below of cast members who apparently aren't quite what they seem. According to Prager, they were quite clean-cut and wealthy before the fame of Duck Dynasty.

Things that make you go "hmm...?"

Cast member Jase on Duck Dynasty

Jase before Duck Dynasty

Cast member Jeb on Duck Dynasty

Jeb before Duck Dynasty

Cast member Willie on Duck Dynasty

Willie before Duck Dynasty

Southerner Dusty Smith exposes Duck Dynasty

Well, this is a lot of fun to watch.

Real southerner Dusty Smith exposes the Duck Dynasty family as clean cut yuppies before they got their TV deal.

This is some funny stuff.

Before Duck Dynasty - creator/producer Scott Gurney starred in homoerotic film

Duck Dynasty creator and producer Scott Gurney

Before Scott Gurney created the A+E Networks's Duck Dynasty, he starred as a gay porn star in a 2001 movie called The Fluffer.  This adds an interesting twist to the ongoing saga of Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson being suspended for anti-gay comments made to GQ Magazine earlier this week.

The Fluffer, which was an independent film that played at the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival.  The credit is currently listed on Gurney’s IMDb page. 

According to Buzzfeed, calls to Gurney Productions and A+E for comment have gone unanswered.

Gurney’s character in The Fluffer is gay-for-pay and a meth addict. He becomes the object of obsession for a male film student who gets a job as his on-set fluffer.

Watch a fan video of the movie below: