Left-leaning bloggers have unearthed a 2009 video of embattled "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson that they claim features him advising grown men to marry underage girls. We will lay out exactly what he said, along with the short video that is circulating, and let you decide for yourself if that's what he is advocating or if there is more to his comments.
This undated image released by A&E shows Phil Robertson from the popular series "Duck Dynasty." Robertson was suspended for disparaging comments he made to GQ magazine about gay people but was reinstated by the network on Friday, Dec. 27. In a statement Friday, A&E said it decided to bring Robertson back to the reality series after discussions with the Robertson family and "numerous advocacy groups." (AP Photo/A&E,)
During a Sportsmen’s Ministry retreat in Georgia back in 2009, Robertson starts by recalling a conversation he had with a young man who was dating a girl -- but the two weren't married. He says he provided the boy with some advice.
"Make sure that she can cook a meal. You need to eat some meals she cooks," he said. "Make sure she carries her Bible -- that will save you a lot of trouble down the road. And if she picks your ducks, now that's a woman."
He continued: "They got to where they're getting hard to find. Mainly because these boys are waiting until they get to be about 20-years-old before they marry them. Look, you wait unit they get to be 20-years-old, the only picking that's going to take place is your pocket. You gotta marry these girls when they are about 15 or 16 and they'll pick your ducks."
"You need to check with mom and dad about that of course," Robertson advised. "The reason you Georgia boys can deer hunt, duck hunt, squirrel hunt, hog hunt, that's the reason you can do it, what I'm holding in my hand right there. That'd be a Bible."
While Robertson's critics argue he was advising grown men to marry teenagers, others will say he was simply advising boys and girls to get married young. He married his own wife, Kay, when she was 16 and he was 20.
Further, he specifically references "these boys," possibly indicating he was speaking directly to boys in the audience. The difference between the two statements is quite significant, though many media outlets reporting on the video don't appear to be in a rush to confirm the context of the comments.
Those who watch "Duck Dynasty" also likely understand that there is often a dose of exaggerated humor in statements made by Robertson. But no one really knows for sure exactly what he meant, except for Robertson himself.
Because of the scrutiny already on Robertson, it's likely he will address the remarks at some point and clarify them. Until then, speculation will run wild. Take our poll and let us know what you think:
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