Phil Robertson, the star of America’s biggest cable television show, was on hiatus after his remarks on homosexuality in a GQ interview caused a stir.
A&E announced Wednesday that the “Duck Dynasty” patriarch was indefinitely suspended from filming the show after organizations like GLAAD condemned his remarks, according to USA Today.
“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,” A&E said in a statement, as quoted by USA TODAY. “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.”
Robertson, a self-described “Bible-thumper,” told GQ that homosexuality was “sinful” and described gay men as “not logical.”
“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 told the magazine. “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.”
Robertson later defended himself as a “product of the 60’s” who merely wishes to share the religion that pulled him up from rock bottom with others.
“However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me,” Robertson said in a statement, as quoted by USA Today. “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.”
