Charlotte-based real estate gurus David and Jason Benham are citing a “smear campaign” as the reason their reality show Flip It Forward was dropped by HGTV.
HGTV had been filming which was based on the brothers affinity for flipping houses in order to help families in need. However, last week after a month of filming HGTV pulled the plug, reportedly because of complaints about their Christian faith.
A website, Right Wing Watch highlights the bothers involvement in pro-life causes and participation in a citywide prayer rally that was a part of the Democratic National Convention in 2012. The site portrays the brothers as anti-gay and anti-abortion extremists. However, in a CNN interview David states that he loves homosexuals, but does not like the gay agenda that “tries to silence people of faith”. In yet another interview with Deadline.com he states that, “HGTV made a decision based on one tiny segment of our culture. And had they heard from the rest of the culture, I think it would have been different.”
Last week, the brothers issued this statement:
“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,” they said. “If our faith costs us a television show then so be it.”
HGTV’s social media network is abuzz with supporter and detractors alike. See the brothers’ video response below.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoWLGQQpkKE&w=560&h=315%5D
CHARLOTTE-BASED BENHAM BROTHERS HGTV SHOW CANCELLATION CALLED “SMEAR CAMPAIGN” was originally published on praisecharlotte.com
