US: Reality TV actor Phil Robertson suspended indefinitely for anti-gay rant in GQ magazine
US reality star Phil Robertson has been suspended indefinitely from his TV show for questioning in an interview to GQ why gay men would prefer “a man’s anus” over a vagina.
Robertson had been asked to describe sin by the magazine, and replied: “It seems like, to me, a vagina – as a man – would be more desirable than a man’s anus. 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.
“Start with homosexual behaviour and just morph out from there,” he continued. “Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and those men.”
The 67-year-old also paraphrased from Corinthians, claiming that “the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers” will not “inherit the kingdom of God”.
Then, in contrast, he said: “We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ‘em, give ‘em the good news about Jesus – whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ‘em out later.”
TV network A&E said it was “extremely disappointed”, adding the comments were based on Robertson’s “personal beliefs” and “in no way reflect those of A&E”.
More than 9m viewers regularly watch reality sitcom Duck Dynasty in the US.
It follows the lives of the Robertson family, a clan with old-fashioned values who live together in Louisiana, running their multi-million family business, Duck Commander – which makes products for duck hunters.
A network statement read: “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.”
Robertson then released his own statement in response to the criticism. “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.”
On Wednesday, US LGBT media advocacy group GLAAD criticised Robertson’s remarks.
Wilson Cruz, a spokesperson for GLAAD, said: “Phil’s decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E and his sponsors who now need to re-examine their ties to someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families.”
“Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil’s lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe,” he added.
Popular show Duck Dynasty about Phil, his brother Si and his four sons, regularly attracts more than 10 million viewers.
In a statement responding to the criticism, Robertson 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.”
