Phil Robertson, the outspoken patriarch of the Duck Commander family, died Sunday at 79 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His family described him as a man of faith and courage, and millions of Americans knew him as the bearded voice of unapologetic Christian values on the hit show Duck Dynasty.
But that legacy was tossed aside Monday by HuffPost, which led with a venomous obituary titled: “Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Who Spread Homophobic Hate, Dead at 79.” The article condemned Robertson’s past remarks on homosexuality and criticized his support for traditional marriage, painting his faith-based views as hate speech.
The piece also tried to tie Robertson’s religious beliefs to his political affiliations—singling out his support for President Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz. HuffPost even dug up a 2016 Cruz campaign rally speech in which Robertson voiced concern over the left’s efforts to redefine marriage, as if that viewpoint made him unfit for a respectful remembrance.
In contrast, millions of Americans saw Robertson not as hateful, but as a man willing to stand on biblical truth in an era increasingly hostile to it. When Duck Dynasty premiered in 2012, it became one of the most-watched nonfiction series in cable history. Families tuned in not just for the duck calls, but for the family dinners, the heartfelt prayers, and the unmistakable message that faith matters.
Robertson’s daughter-in-law Korie posted a heartfelt message on Facebook following his death, writing: “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord.” The family asked for privacy and said details about a public memorial would be shared in time.
Despite his popularity, Robertson was no stranger to controversy. In 2013, he was briefly suspended by A&E for remarks he made to GQ magazine about sin and sexuality. But the backlash from fans was overwhelming, and the network quickly reinstated him. That moment marked a turning point in the culture war, as millions of Americans rallied behind Robertson and against cancel culture.
Robertson didn’t flinch under pressure. He became a vocal advocate for conservative values, appeared multiple times on Breitbart News radio, and received the prestigious Andrew Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award at CPAC in 2015.
For many, Phil Robertson represented something rare: a public figure who refused to back down from his beliefs. He wasn’t afraid to be mocked or misrepresented, because he believed he was answering to a higher authority.
In the end, the HuffPost headline says more about the media’s values than it does about Robertson’s. To smear a man hours after his passing simply because he spoke uncomfortable truths about sin and salvation is not journalism—it’s bitterness disguised as reporting.
Phil Robertson is gone, but his message—and the reaction to it—shows that the battle for faith, family, and free speech is still raging. And in that fight, his legacy is only growing stronger.
