It was supposed to be a bankable reality TV show on the Home and Garden Television Network (HGTV): Twin brothers David and Jason Benham would, as the press release announced back in April “find a fixer-upper and transform it into their forever home – with a healthy dose of sibling rivalry between the brothers along the way.” But a Tweet on Wednesday had HGTV retracting that promise: “HGTV has decided not to move forward with the Benham Brothers’ series.”
The actions were taken by the network after it was revealed that brother David was found outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Charlotte – and elsewhere – pushing an anti-gay agenda. The Benhams released a statement the very next day to say:
“The first and last thought on our minds as we begin and end each day is have we shined Christ’s light today? Our faith is the fundamental calling in our lives, and the centerpiece of who we are. As Christians we are called to love our fellow man. Anyone who suggests that we hate homosexuals or people of other faiths is either misinformed or lying. Over the last decade, we’ve sold thousands of homes with the guiding principle of producing value and breathing life into each family that has crossed our path, and we do not, nor will we ever discriminate against people who do not share our views. We were saddened to hear HGTV’s decision. With all of the grotesque things that can be seen and heard on television today you would think there would be room for two twin brothers who are faithful to our families, committed to biblical principles and dedicated professionals. If our faith costs us a television show then so be it.”
Apparently it be. The network decided that, given its audience, it would be inappropriate to justify their words with their actions.
The Charlotte Observer, which reported on this story, also found that, “Right Wing Watch reported that David Benham is a “right-wing activist who has campaigned against LGBT equality and reproductive rights, taking after his father, preacher Flip Benham. Flip Benham founded Operation Save America and was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2011 after being convicted of stalking a Charlotte doctor who performed abortions.”
Unlike A&E, which caved to public pressure and reinstated Duck Dynasty after a disastrous public relations nightmare over Phil Robertson’s blatantly anti-gay views in GQ Magazine, HGTV has no plans to resurrect the show.
