The ever-increasing popularity of A&E reality series 'Duck Dynasty' continues to mount as a fourth season prepares for debut on January 15, but future seasons may be in store for a major change. Family patriarch Phil Robertson has been placed on an "indefinite hiatus" from filming after Robertson made comments in a GQ interview denigrating homosexuality as a sin, and comparing it with the likes of bestiality.

“It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man -- would be more desirable than a man’s anus," Robertson told GQ in the January issue of the magazine. "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....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."

Though Roberts will still likely be featured in the upcoming fourth season, the previous of which drew upwards of 9 million viewers, A&E issued a response to Robertson's controversial comments:

We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.

Robertson too offered an explanation of his actions with a personal statement, saying:

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. 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.

The ratings for the reality series third season finale drew A&E’s highest ratings ever, nearly beating out ‘American Idol,’ while remaining cable’s number 1 series behind ‘The Walking Dead.’ To date, ‘Duck Dynasty’ ranks as cable’s number one non-fiction series, second overall to ‘Dead.’

It remains to be seen if Robertson's comments will have any impact on ratings for the upcoming fourth season, but what say you? Was A&E right to put Robertson on a hiatus from the series? Would 'Duck Dynasty' be better off without featuring its patriarch? Give us your thoughts, after a sneak peek of season 4:

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