Well they could take A&E to task for giving him a platform to begin with, but they're not doing that. But yes, they're defending Robertson's right to express himself, even if they don't like the content against A&E's ham-handed attempts to silence him. As background, A&E previously cut out references to Jesus when prayers were said and an A&E representative was present at the controversy-inspiring interview (and said/did nothing). There are suggestions that A&E has always been uncomfortable with the notion that people would relate to the family and their conservative/religious views and is doing what it can to keep them in line and suppress those qualities.

I don't watch the show but agree with the defenses that Robertson should be able to be authentic. Compared to other TV shows, his expression was nothing to get worked up about.