From anti-gay remarks to condemning atheists: "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson's biggest controversies explored

Phil Robertson, known for his role in the reality show Duck Dynasty, has passed away. His family posted the news of his death on May 25, 2025. Robertson was 79 at the time of his demise.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as per an announcement by his family in December 2024. Korie Robertson, his daughter-in-law, took to her Instagram and wrote:

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. He reminded us often of the words of Paul, ‘you do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

Phil Robertson became known for his controversial statements. In 2013, he was suspended from Duck Dynasty for his problematic comments about queer people. The suspension comes after his GQ interview, where he said:

“It seems like, to me, a v**ina – as a man – would be more desirable than a man’s a**s. 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.”

He went on:

“Start with homos**ual behaviour and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and those men.”

The broadcaster of his show released a statement saying that they were disappointed at his comments and put him on a suspension from the show. Their statement mentioned:

“His personal views in no way reflect those of A&E networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.”

Looking back at Phil Robertson’s remarks on atheism and STDs

In 2015, at a prayer event, Phil Robertson spoke ill about atheists. He described an example where intruders violently attacked an atheist's family, including harming his daughters and wife.

He imagined the attackers mocking the atheist by saying that, without belief in judgment or moral consequences, nothing they did could be considered right or wrong. According to Entertainment Weekly, he said:

“Wouldn’t it be something if [there] was something wrong with this? But you’re the one who says there is no God, there’s no right, there’s no wrong, so we’re just having fun.”

The same year, he also claimed that STDs are a form of punishment. Conversing with Tony Perkins, he argued that following the idea of one man and one woman in a committed relationship was seen by some as outdated.

However, he believed that if two people who didn’t have any diseases got married and stayed faithful to each other, they would avoid s*xually transmitted infections, making that kind of relationship safer in his view. Phil Robertson said:

“Either it's the wildest coincidence ever that horrible diseases follow immoral conduct, or, it's God saying, 'There's a penalty for that kind of conduct.' I'm leaning towards there's a penalty for it.”

Phil Robertson also backed North Carolina’s bathroom law, saying that men and women should use restrooms based on their biological s*x. In an email, he said that just because a man identified as a woman didn’t mean he should be allowed in the same bathroom as someone's daughter.

He felt that what was once considered common sense was now being labeled as prejudice.

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Also Read: "Our early years were messy": Kay Robertson's heartfelt 2024 tribute resurfaces as husband Phil Robertson dies at 79

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