HGTV Cancels Benham Brothers' Show 'Flip It Forward': Christian Activists Accused of Bigotry Towards Homosexuals, Other Faiths
HGTV is known for embracing diversity, depicting a wide array of families, couples and people in their various shows. Thus, it surprised everyone when it was discovered that the hosts of an upcoming show were biased against what the company has been promoting.
"Flip It Forward" was a show to be hosted by twin brothers Jason and David Benham, following a similar lineup of shows like "Property Brother." HGTV had originally intended the show to air in October; however, Right Wing Watch discovered that the brothers, graduates of the evangelical Liberty University, were the sons of Flip Benham. Benham senior is an evangelical minister who is also the leader of Operations Save America (OSA).
According to Right Wing Watch, who released their findings on May 6, OSA has been protesting at various events around the country, like the multi-faith memorial at Sandy Hook Elementary and mosques, and blamed the Democratic Party for the Aurora, Colorado, shooting. Following these revelations as well as the brothers' own radical Christian activism, the channel decided to cancel the show, according to the Huffington Post.
"HGTV has decided not to move forward with the Benham Brothers' series," tweeted the cable network.
Though various LGBT and liberal groups lauded the network for their decision, the brothers contend that HGTV knew of their past. In a statement released to USA Today, via the Huffington Post, the brothers responded to HGTV's decision.
"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. ... We do not nor will we ever discriminate against people who do not share our views," the statement read.
"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."
Conservatives did not react well to the news either and began a social media campaign to reinstate the show. According to the Christian Post, Faith Driven Consumer, the same group that started a campaign in support of "Duck Dynasty" patriarch Phil Robertson, has started a new campaign called #FlipThisDecision. The network has not said that they will be reinstating the show for the fall, though the group hopes to push them until they do.