Just a day after network A&E announced it was putting one of the stars of cable’s No. 1 show on an “indefinite suspension” for controversial comments he made about homosexuality, the family has spoken out. The Robertsons thanked all of its fans who issued support for Phil, but said, “as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.” In a statement (which you can read in its entirety at their website), the family acknowledged that what Phil said in the interview with GQ was “coarse” and “unfiltered”, but they defended the Duck Commander founder: “His beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Phil would never incite or encourage hate.” Now, it appears that the future of the show—which is scheduled to air its season five premiere in January—could be in jeopardy. “We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty” …
