Robertson family issues statement on Phil’s suspension: “We cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm”

The fallout continues from Duck Dynasty star (and Robertson family patriarch) Phil Robertson’s controversial interview with GQ in which he condemned homosexuality because that is what the Bible says and also talked about how happy black people in the South were before the Civil Rights Movement — or as Phil called it: “pre-entitlement.”

The comments have drawn criticisms from supporters of gay rights and A&E released a statement Wednesday night announcing they have suspended Phil from the show indefinitely, saying they were “disappointed” in what he said before adding that Phil’s “personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.”

Phil’s comments and his forced “hiatus” from the show has also inspired fans and supporters of his beliefs to rally support with petitions demanding he be allowed to return garnering more than 85,000 signatures (and counting) each and a Facebook Support Page calling for the boycott of A&E getting more than 1.1 million likes in less than 24 hours.

Moments ago a statement from the entire Robertson family was posted on the Duck Commander website which calls Phil Robertson’s comments “coarse” but also that they were “grounded in the teachings of the Bible.” The statement also seems to cast a shadow on the future of the series when it reveals the family is “in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty,” but that they “cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm.”

Here is the statement in full:

We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The family has spent much time in prayer since learning of A&E’s decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word. While some of Phil’s unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse, 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. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right. We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm. We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty. Again, thank you for your continued support of our family.