Twitter Restores Links To 'I Stand With Phil' Petition: Social Media Site Blames Oversight In 'Duck Dynasty' Phil Robertson Controversy

Twitter has restored blocked links to the URL IStandWithPhil.com, the website from Faith Driven Consumer that encourages backers of embattled “Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson to sign a petition calling on A&E to reinstate Robertson amid his controversial suspension from the popular show.

In a statement to Marketing Land, Twitter blamed the mix-up on an outside group that tracks spam sources for the social media website.

“The URL IStandWithPhil.com was mistakenly flagged as spam tonight, by an outside organization that tracks spam sources. We have restored access and apologize for the error,” Twitter said.

But not everyone is buying the explanation, with “Duck Dynasty” fans accusing San Francisco-based Twitter of censoring the link on purpose.

Faith Driven Consumer, an organization that connects Christian consumers with “faith-compatible companies,” alerted Robertson supporters about the blocked link to IStandWithPhil.com on Monday.

The group credited enraged “Duck Dynasty” supporters for Twitter fixing the issue.

“While Twitter has not yet communicated with us or acknowledged you, the IStandWithPhil.com community, they were compelled to respond because of the groundswell of support. This was all because you made YOUR voice as a Faith Driven Consumer heard. We're so grateful for your help,” the group said.

The petition asking A&E, the channel that broadcasts “Duck Dynasty,” to reinstate Robertson's show is nearing its goal of 250,000 signatures. As of Wednesday afternoon, the petition had more than 224,000 signatures.

Robertson caused an uproar over his anti-gay comments in the January issue of GQ. The “Duck Dynasty” star said that gays are sinful.

“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”

The comments led A&E to suspend Robertson. The Cracker Barrel chain of restaurants also pulled “Duck Dynasty” apparel from its stores but did an about-face amid backlash over the move.