Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has been suspended indefinitely following anti-gay remarks he made in an interview.
As reported by The Inquisitr earlier on Wednesday, Robertson, the family patriarch who helped make Duck Dynasty one of the most successful, family-friendly reality TV shows, has landed in hot water for his controversial comments.
In a statement late Wednesday, A&E announced that Robertson is off the hit show for the time being:
“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.”
An A&E rep says Duck Dynasty will go on without Phil Robertson , as other members of the family are not affected by the cable network’s decision.
The controversy stems from remarks Robertson made to GQ in which he stated society has come to accept and even embrace sinful behavior. When asked to explain his comment, he said:
“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.”
Robertson made several outrageous comments, but perhaps the one that finally landed the Duck Dynasty star in trouble with the network was calling homosexuality “illogical”:
“It seems to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus,” Robertson explained. “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.”
Organizations such as GLAAD immediately issued statements demanding A&E rethink their support for the Duck Dynasty show.
“He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans — and Americans — who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples,” said GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz.
Following the backlash he received for his anti-gay statements, Phil Robertson said he would never judge others for being different than he is.
“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job,” Robertson told GQ .
The hit series has averaged 14 million viewers per episode, making Duck Dynasty one of the most successful shows for A&E . The new season premieres January 15, and Phil Robertson will appear in some episodes that were already pre-recorded, according to a network representative.