'We're ready to move on, we've learned a lot': Duck Dynasty's Willie Robertson breaks silence over father's anti-gay storm (and reveals Phil was safely tucked up in bed early on New Year's Eve)

  • Phil Robertson's son, Willie, appeared on Fox News' New Year's Eve coverage to see in 2014
  • Declared that the Robertson clan is extremely keen to move on from the huge row over his father's anti-gay comments
  • Revealed that Phil Robertson would be asleep in bed for midnight as he does not do holiday partying
  • Last week A&E announced Phil Robertson will return to Duck Dynasty
  • Robertson was briefly suspended after making homophobic comments in GQ magazine
  • The network says it does not endorse Robertson's views
  • Fans and Christian conservatives came out in force to support Robertson after the suspension

By James Nye

PUBLISHED: 00:01 EST, 1 January 2014 | UPDATED: 04:49 EST, 1 January 2014


It may be the busiest night of the year for fun-lovers - but Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson was safely tucked up in bed on New Years Eve - at least according to his son Willie.

Speaking for the first time since his father's anti-gay and racially offensive comments to GQ magazine, Willie, who is the business brains behind the $400 million Duck Dynasty empire, revealed that his controversial father prefers to give Holiday Season partying a miss.

Explaining that New Year's Eve isn't a big deal to his dad, Willie said that he was in bed and his wife Korie added that if he was watching anything it would be Fox News.

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Clean slate: Willie Robertson and his wife Korie appeared on Fox News on New Years Eve to see in 2014 and to put 2013 behind them

Clean slate: Willie Robertson and his wife Korie appeared on Fox News on New Years Eve to see in 2014 and to put 2013 behind them

Speaking from Colorado, where they are skiing, Willie and his wife steered well clear of any further contentious issues which could cause the recent furore over his father's comments to flare up again.

Asked about his father's suspension and subsequent reinstatment by A&E for quoting Biblical passages which compared homosexuality to bestiality, Willie Roberston said that 'A&E and us are fine.'

'We are just glad to be back at work and ready to break in a new year and start making fun shows

'We are ready to move on and we have all learned a lot.'

Indeed, the Robertson family and A&E - which is owned by Disney and the Heast Corporation - have created a merchandising empire worth hundreds of millions since the shows launch in 2012.

Asked what 2014 held for the Roberston's, Willie said that the family and their patriarch are looking forward to 'more of the same' and will 'stick together.'

 

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During their second exclusive interview with hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Bill Hemmer following the ball drop at Times Square, Willie and Korie Robertson were teased about their first kiss of 2014.

As the couple indulged the Fox host, country star Luke Bryan photo-bombed the shot and tried to lean in and give Willie Robertson a kiss.

'Let me get a kiss!' Bryan said, grabbing Robertson’s face, but failing to land a smooch.

Speaking further about the future of Duck Dynasty, Korie said, 'We’ve been so blessed in 2013 that you know, I think I just hope it continues. We’re going to stick together as a family, and doing what we’re doing, and giving God the glory.'

For his part, Willie said, 'Hopefully my employees will keep up with more duck calls while I’m way. Nobody has been putting together duck calls since I’ve been gone. I have to get back and crack the whip.'

The son of Phil Robertson concluded by promising, 'I’m going take better care of my beard this year than last year. More lotions and oils. I need to get back to the beard.'

New years kiss: Willie and Korie Robertson leaned in for a quick kiss while they appeared on Fox News while the vacationed in Colorado on a skiing holiday

New years kiss: Willie and Korie Robertson leaned in for a quick kiss while they appeared on Fox News while the vacationed in Colorado on a skiing holiday

Interruption: Country singer Luke Bryan photo-bombed the shot, and leaned over Korie Robertson to give Willie a near-miss kiss

Interruption: Country singer Luke Bryan photo-bombed the shot, and leaned over Korie Robertson to give Willie a near-miss kiss

United: The Robertson family issued a statement to FoxNews.com, saying they were excited to get back to filming with patriarch Phil (far right) involved

United: The Robertson family issued a statement to FoxNews.com, saying they were excited to get back to filming with patriarch Phil (far right) involved

Just last week on the reinstatement of his father to A&E's Duck Dynasty, Willie Robertson took to Twitter to attempt to explain away the family patriarch's coarse views.

'Describing his dad as 'Ole Phil', Willie said that he 'may be a little crude but his heart is good. He's the Real Deal!'

And in an exclusive statement to FoxNews on Friday, the family said they were 'excited to keep making a quality TV show for our dedicated fans, who have showed us wonderful support. We will continue to represent our faith and values in a positive way through Duck Dynasty and our many projects that we are currently working on.'

'The outpouring of support and prayers has encouraged and emboldened us greatly,' the family added.

The network said in a statement last week that they planned to reinstate Phil on the reality show after discussions with the Robertson family and consultations with 'numerous advocacy groups'.

Robertson was put on indefinite hiatus two weeks ago by A&E in response to the uproar following the GQ magazine interview.

But despite consulting advocacy groups, many spoke out against Phil's reinstatement - the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD) issuing a statement yesterday to Fox News saying it the network is just greedy to capitalize off the hit show.

Reinstated: Phil Robertson won't miss a day of filming after his brief hiatus was reversed by A&E

Reinstated: Phil Robertson won't miss a day of filming after his brief hiatus was reversed by A&E;

'Phil Robertson should look African American and gay people in the eyes and hear about the hurtful impact of praising Jim Crow laws and comparing gay people to terrorists. If dialogue with Phil is not part of next steps then A+E has chosen profits over African American and gay people – especially its employees and viewers,' the said.

The fourth season is set to premiere this January, and was largely completed before Phil made the statements, meaning he didn't miss a single episode of filming during the ban.

The removal of the 67-year-old patriarch from the show was lauded by gay rights organizations, but fans of the show denounced it as a violation of Robertson's right to free speech.

Conservative supporters include Sarah Palin, who wrote in a Facebook post: 'Free speech is an endangered species. Those intolerants’ hatin’ and taking on the Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing his personal opinion are taking on all of us.'

Stardom: Two of the unlikely reality TV stars of Duck Dynasty, brothers Silas 'Uncle Si' Robertson (left) and Phil Robertson

Stardom: Two of the unlikely reality TV stars of Duck Dynasty, brothers Silas 'Uncle Si' Robertson (left) and Phil Robertson

A&E initially took action after Robertson's comments caused uproar, saying his views were 'disappointing' and that A&E has always been 'strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.'

Now, the network says the family has made it clear that they are sorry if they caused any offense with the patriarch's remarks.

'While Phil’s comments made in the interview reflect his personal views based on his own beliefs, and his own personal journey, he and his family have publicly stated they regret the “coarse language” he used and the mis-interpretation of his core beliefs based only on the article.

'He also made it clear he would 'never incite or encourage hate'. We at A+E Networks expressed our disappointment with his statements in the article, and reiterate that they are not views we hold,' read the statement.

The homophobic comments from the born-again Christian included such insights as, ' 'It seems like, to me, a vagina - as a man - would be more desirable than a man’s anus.

'That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. 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.'

Strong marriage: Miss Kay and Phil Robertson have been married for 47-years and began dating when she was 14 and he was 18 - they married when he was 20

Strong marriage: Miss Kay and Phil Robertson have been married for 47-years and began dating when she was 14 and he was 18 - they married when he was 20

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the "Duck Dynasty" TV series, center, leaves the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. Robertson was suspended in early December for homophobic comments

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the "Duck Dynasty" TV series, center, leaves the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. Robertson was suspended in early December for homophobic comments

He also grouped homosexuals in with terrorists, saying, '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, you see what I’m saying?'

GLAAD hit back soon after the interview was released online, calling him a ‘stain’ on the network A&E which airs the show.

GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz told E! News: '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 clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans - and Americans - who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples.

'Phil's decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E and his sponsors who now need to reexamine their ties to someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families.'

In addition to his anti-gay rhetoric, the duck hunter also made dubious remarks regarding Louisiana before the Civil Rights Movement.

'I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person. Not once. Where we lived was all farmers. The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I'm with the blacks, because we're white trash. We're going across the field,' said Robertson.

'They're singing and happy. I never heard one of them, one black person, say, 'I tell you what: These doggone white people'—not a word!... Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.'

Comments (98)

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LOVE THEM ALL!!!

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Was I mistaken....I think i saw Duck commander wine in Wal Mart. the slippers with the guys heads popping out of the toes made me giggle. lI do think they are overdoing it a bit though, people start to get sick of the extreme commericalism,l

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I'm glad you're ready to move on, we'll let you know when we are.

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Get moving already Shelly..

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Why don't they shave? They have all that money but look like something the cat dragged in.

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I think you're kind of missing the point of the show.

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THIS IS ONE BLESSED MAN according to Jesus Christ. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ¿Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Jesus Christ/Sermon on the Mount/ Matthew 5)

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2 of 4 repliesSee all replies

You omitted the part about judging not, lest you be judged.

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Max, it would appear you only study the scripture with the intent to reply, listening optional...

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Who of us doesn't have a relative that embarrasses us cast the first stone.

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I have to laugh at these guys with their long hair and head bands. The southerns used to berate the " long haired hippies" now the are copying them 40 years later like they invented the look. That is about how far the south is behind the rest of the country and they reluctantly get dragged kick and screaming into the present.

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2 of 5 repliesSee all replies

See that's what happens when you rely solely on the media to make judgements on another culture. You get it completely wrong.

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Clueless in Sonoma.

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Yet more talentless weirdos getting rich of lazy TV companies who are no longer prepared to go to the trouble of making decent programs

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The Robertsons were already rich from their Duck Commander business. They didn't need the show to get rich. Would have been foolish not to jump at the opportunity to make even more money by decline to do the show however.

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publicity stunt.

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A clarification is needed DM. A&E; receives all monies from the Duck Dynasty brand. The Robertson family receives monies from the Duck Commander and Buck Commander brands.

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Which was in existance long before the show. The family was wealthy before DD and will be after. They don't need A&E.;

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