A&E suspends Phil Robertson from ‘Duck Dynasty’ |
Written by Christine D. Johnson |
Thursday, 19 December 2013 11:48 AM America/New_York |
A&E has placed Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson “on hiatus” from the network’s most popular show “indefinitely.” The action came after his remarks against homosexuality in a GQ magazine interview. "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," the company said in a statement Wednesday. "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 also made a formal statement, but did not back down from his views. “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,” he said. “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." Robertson's Happy, Happy, Happy has sold more print copies for Howard Books than any of the other Duck Dynasty best-sellers the company has published this year, according to Publishers Lunch. Howard Books Publisher Jonathan Merkh said in statement: "While Phil Robertson has always been known for his opinions, we do not condone his recent remarks, nor do they reflect the views of Howard Books or Simon & Schuster. In our experience publishing the Duck Commander books, he has always treated one and all with the utmost respect regardless of political leaning, sexual orientation or religious views." Hollywood Reporter observed that Robertson will “likely appear in season four, which bows Jan. 15, since production is largely wrapped.” However, Robertson did not appear with the rest of the family on Barbara Walters' Most Fascinating People of 2013 special Wednesday night on ABC. He was said to be duck hunting. |