Duck Dynasty Family: No Show Without Phil Robertson The Robertson family "can't imagine" Duck Dynasty continuing without Phil Robertson "at the helm," the family said in a statement Thursday evening. The statement marks the family's first public comments since network A&E suspended Robertson for his inflammatory comments towards gay people. The Robertsons" full statement: 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. Duck Dynasty is a highly successful A&E reality TV show that follows the lives of the Robertson family, who became rich thanks to the commercial success of Phil Robertson's "Duck Commander" duck caller and other hunting accessories. Robertson's comments and subsequent suspension have sparked an ongoing debate over free speech and bigotry.