“Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson can’t seem to stay out of trouble.
Newly-surfaced footage of the reality television star, who was recently reinstated by A&E after a brief suspension for his anti-gay rhetoric, shows Robertson urging men to wed underage girls.
In the 2009 video, which appeared on YouTube — apparently from a Sportsmen’s Ministry event in Georgia — the 67-year-old offers what he bills “river rat counseling.” He argues that marrying a girl who is not a teenager will only lead to trouble.
“Look, you wait ’til they get to be 20 years old, the only picking that’s going to take place is your pocket,” he says. “You got to marry these girls when they are about 15 or 16.” Robertson later adds: “You need to check with mom and dad about that, of course.”
The wealthy, Louisiana duck call maker also offered up dating advice, insisting men should date woman who can “cook a meal” and “make sure she carries her Bible.” Robertson revealed in his book “Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander” that he married his wife when she was 15 and he was 16.
The head-turning footage comes following Robertson’s controversial remarks to GQ magazine. When asked what he believes is sinful, Robertson said: “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.” He also argued that a woman’s anatomy is “more desirable” than a man’s.
A&E announced the indefinite suspension of Robertson, but eventually reinstated him nine days later following public outcry.
Robertson’s remarks reignited a new battle in the old culture wars with several conservatives, including Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin defending his right to free speech. His critics ripped Robertson, characterizing him as bigoted and anti-gay.
The rest of the Robertson family isn’t staying quiet on the issue.
Son Willie Robertson and his wife Korie will appear on Fox News Channel’s New Year special to talk about their father.
