Phil Robertson fired from US show Duck Dynasty for anti-gay remarks

The reality TV star said that homosexuality would 'morph' into bestiality

From left: Phil Robertson, Jase Robertson, Si Robertson and Willie Robertson from the A&E series, 'Duck Dynasty' (AP)

US reality TV star Phil Robertson has been suspended from hit series Duck Dynasty after making homophobic remarks in a recent interview.

The 67-year-old shared his views on sexuality in an interview with GQ, claiming homosexuality was one step away from bestiality.

He said: “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.”

Robertson also paraphrased from Corinthians, claiming that “the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers” would not “inherit the kingdom of God”.

However, he later added: “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.”

US Network A&E, which broadcasts the popular reality show, announced it had placed Robertson under hiatus from filming indefinitely.

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.”

GLAAD, a US organisation that promotes the image of LGBT people in the media, has hit back at Robertson’s homophobic comments in a statement.

Wilson Cruz, a spokesperson for GLADD, 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.”