“Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson has been placed under a filming hiatus by A+E, the network that airs his reality show, following the anti-gay remarks he made in GQ magazine.
“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 on Wednesday evening. “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.”
GLAAD (the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) issued a statement over the network’s decision on Wednesday night.
“What’s clear is that such hateful anti-gay comments are unacceptable to fans, viewers, and networks alike,” GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz said in a statement. “By taking quick action and removing Robertson from future filming, A&E has sent a strong message that discrimination is neither a Christian nor an American value.”
Robertson was discussing his religious beliefs with the magazine for a new feature on the “Duck Dynasty” clan when he made the anti-gay remarks. When asked by GQ what he thought was sinful, he replied, “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.”
WATCH :‘Duck Dynasty’ Star’s Homophobic Remarks: The Fallout
“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,” he added, paraphrasing Corinthians.
GLAAD quickly reacted to the star’s remarks earlier on Wednesday.
“The fact that you would misquote and misrepresent Christianity and the Bible in order to perpetuate these myths and lies about homosexuality and the LGBT community is just unacceptable,” GLAAD spokesperson Cruz told Access Hollywood on Wednesday morning.
Responding to the controversy his remarks generated, Robertson released a statement on Wednesday.
“I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me,” he said. “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.”
— Jolie Lash
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