Rest of family to remain on program, according to Entertainment Weekly
Phil Robertson, the patriarch of A&E’s Duck Dynasty program based in West Monroe, was suspended Wednesday for anti-gay comments he made in an interview with GQ, according to media reports.
In an interview with GQ’s Drew Magary, Robertson expressed his view that homosexuality was immoral, and some of his remarks were made using off-color language, according to Entertainment Weekly.
“It seems like, to me, a vagina – as a man – would be more desirable than a man’s anus” Robertson told GQ. “That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.
“Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong. Sin becomes fine,” he later added. “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men. Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers — they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”
A&E released the following statement Wednesday evening in announcing Robertson’s suspension.
“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”
Earlier Wednesday, a rep from A&E submitted a statement to The Huffington Post from Robertson on the controversy.
“I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.”
According to Entertainment Weekly, the rest of the family appearing in Duck Dynasty will remain on the program.
