bureau about this. what are robertson and his supporters saying about all this now? >> reporter: supporters, this is reality and not a script a&e is writing ending. recall on wednesday the network said phil robertson was an indefinite suspension and gay rights demand ad apology. that looks increasingly unlikely and it appears the channel's decision may backfire. here's why. 110,000 people sign ad petition to reinstate him and demanding a apology from the network. secondly, sponsors of the show are sticking by the family and thirdly, the biggest blow maybe coming from the robert sons itself. they issued a statement last night saying, quote, we are disappointed that phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith which is his constitutionally protected right. we have had a successful working relationship with a&e, but, as a family we can not imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.