Phil Robertson caused widespread controversy when his comments on homosexuality were published in the January issue of GQ magazine, with many outraged people summoning Robertson to explain himself and to suffer some retribution for his beliefs. Judging by Robertson's reported reaction to the whole furore, neither will be forthcoming any time soon as he vowed he would not "give or back off" this weekend.

Jase Willie Robertson
Phil's sons are standing by their pops

According to MailOnline, Robertson attended church this Sunday (22 Dec.) as per usual, with his family also joining him at the Sunday service. Not only is the elder Robertson a patron of the church in West Monroe, Louisiana, but he also holds his own Bible study class and this Sunday he allowed one of the Mail's reporters to join him in class at the White's Ferry Road Church of Christ, where he addressed the scandal and explained what he believes in.

"I love all men and women" Robertson reportedly said. "I am a lover of humanity, not a hater," he continued, before being questioned about his comment by one of his students. He replied, "I didn’t think much of it at all, but it seems a lot of other people did."

"I am just reading what was written over 2,000 years ago. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom. All I did was quote from the scriptures, but they just didn’t know it. Whether I said it, or they read it, what’s the difference? The sins are the same, humans haven’t changed," Robertson continued. "If you give them the bad news, they’ll start kicking and screaming. But you love them more than you fear them, so you tell them."

Are A&E considering cutting Duck Dynasty?

Whilst a number of people are outraged with Robertson, as many are outraged with his treatment and are standing in solidarity with the reality star. Duck Dynasty's network A&E have since placed Phil on leave from the show and may even be considering severing ties with the Robertsons, who in turn have reportedly considered pulling the plug on the popular program themselves. A number of politicians, including Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, and notable personel have stood in to the family's corner, calling the response to his comments an attack on free speech and Christian values.