Gay News Anchor: ’Duck Dynasty’ Star Shouldn’t be Fired
The conservative right is getting all worked up after "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson was hit with a backlash for making anti-gay comments in a recent GQ interview. But Sarah Palin and the National Organization for Marriage aren't the only ones coming to the reality show star's side: CNN's Don Lemon, openly gay journalist and news anchor, Mediaite reports.
Lemon appeared on "Piers Morgan Live" Wednesday night to discuss the comments Robertson made to GQ, linking being gay to bestiality.
"It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man -- would be more desirable than a man's anus," the reality star told GQ. "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."
"Everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong. Sin becomes fine," he went on to say. "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men. Don't be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers -- they won't inherit the kingdom of God. Don't deceive yourself. It's not right."
Though GLAAD condemned Robertson, calling his comments vile and misinformed, Lemon said he didn't think the reality star should be fired from "Duck Dynasty" and that his remarks came from a "lack of awareness" and, like Palin, defended the reality star's free speech.
Lemon did agree with some of GLAAD's response to Robertson, however, but he reiterated that Robertson should be protected under free speech.
"It's offensive to me... but the marketplace should decide," he said, insisting Robertson shouldn't be fired. Nevertheless, host Piers Morgan disagreed and said that he should be let go for his "absolutely repulsive" remarks.
Shortly after GLAAD's statement was published, A&E released a statement with Robertson's apology:
"I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior," Robertson says in the press release. "My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other."
That apparently wasn't good enough as officials from A&E announced Thursday that he is currently suspended from "Duck Dynasty."
Watch Lemon discuss Robertson below: