The reality star says he will “not give or back off”

Dec 23, 2013 14:27 GMT  ·  By
Phil Robertson is not giving way on his anti-gay position, no matter how much flak he catches from the media
   Phil Robertson is not giving way on his anti-gay position, no matter how much flak he catches from the media

Speaking for the first time after the anti-gay scandal surrounding his interview with GQ sparked, Phil Robertson doesn't seem to be apologetic at all or willing to be persuaded to take the middle road.

A reporter from the DailyMail was allowed into a Bible study group in West Monroe, Louisiana on Sunday, and the outcome of the meeting was that Robertson is not ready to give up on his beliefs following the media scandal he caused with his conservative point of view on gays.

However, he stresses that “I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater.” He resented the presentation and the accusations gay groups made of him “We are a bunch of rednecks from Louisiana, but I not uneducated, I have a degree from Louisiana Tech. But this week I have been called and ignoramus,” the 67-year-old Duck Dynasty patriarch pointed out.

At the end of his Bible study, Phil Robertson concluded “Well, we’ve had a quite a quiet week, shot some ducks, done some shopping, ignited a national controversy,” hinting subtly that he doesn't seem to care about his recent suspension from his show, nor the media attention he's been getting.

Following an interview with GQ Magazine in which he voiced his position against gay people, Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson clan in the TV reality show “Duck Dynasty,” was promptly fired by A&E network in what they said was an act of support towards their gay employees.

The Robertson family later announced that they would not be doing the show without Phil, sparking rumors that the show will be canceled or moved to another station. Other networks are said to have already gotten involved in the process, since “Duck Dynasty” is one of the best-ranking reality shows on American Cable.

Southern restaurant chain Cracker Barrel was one of the retailers that took action in the Robertson case and withdrew their Duck Dynasty merchandise off the shelves, only to have them returned again this week, following pressure from its public.