Duck Dynasty Secrets and Controversies That You May Not Know

Even decked out in full-body camouflage and full-length beards, the Robertson family can’t hide ALL their Duck Dynasty secrets. The hit A&E reality show follows the Robertson family through its supposed “redneck” hunting life in Louisiana.

High ratings turned this reality-TV family into celebrities. Through branded hunting equipment and books, the Robertson family has been continuously milking its image and brand for all its worth, but not without consequence. From multiple bigoted remarks to a history of addiction, the Robertsons have been at the center of controversy more than a few times.

Compiled is a list of the worst Duck Dynasty secrets that won’t be under wraps — or beards — for long. Don’t forget to click through to the end for details on the show’s cancellation. Why’d the series get the ax? Stay tuned.

Sexual Abuse

In the 2015 book, The Good, The Bad, and the Grace of God- What Honesty and Pain Taught Us About Faith, Family and Forgiveness, Jep Robertson opens up about being sexually abused as a child. Jep admits that an older female classmate became violent and sexually abused him from when he was 6 years old.

Commercial Breaks

Reportedly, a 30-second commercial spot during the show can go for $170,000 to $180,000, which is far greater than for any other A&E network show. Despite the controversy surrounding the family, advertisers are still willing to associate themselves with the show for a high cost.

Racist Remarks

During a 2013 interview, Phil Robertson made outrageously racist remarks, saying that blacks were happier under Jim Crow laws. Robertson further claimed that life was not bad for black people during the pre-Civil Rights era. Ironically enough, in 2016 Robertson became the grandfather of a black grandchild after his son, Jep, adopted a fifth son.

Suicide Attempt

According to Reed Robertson, he almost ended his life due to fame. In an interview, Reed admitted to having difficulty adapting to his family stardom and planned to commit suicide. His parents allegedly found out before he could act on it, and he turned his life around.

Removed From Trump Hotel

Jase Robertson was reportedly kicked out of the Trump International Hotel. Mistaking him for a homeless man, the staff had Jase removed from the hotel.

Homophobic Remarks

One of the biggest scandals to rock the show was patriarch Phil Robertson’s homophobic remarks. In a 2013 interview, Phil likened homosexuality to bestiality and openly admitted to being homophobic. A&E suspended him for the remarks but later reinstated him after fan backlash.

Skipped Interview

Phil Robertson reportedly ditched a Barbara Walters interview after being named one of the “Most Fascinating People.” Allegedly, he skipped the prestigious interview to go hunting.

Porn and Drug Addiction

In his book, Jep opens up about his past addiction to drugs and pornography, which almost ended his marriage to his wife, Jessica. He allegedly hid the addictions for years and finally sought help after waking up on the side of the road due to overconsumption.

College Dropout

Uncle Si allegedly dropped out of college for his partying habits. Si went to Louisiana Tech University for three semesters before deciding to call it quits due to “partying too hard.” He openly admits to college education being “crap” and not for everyone.

Wine Brand

When the Robertsons announced their new line of wine, they allegedly suffered backlash from a pious group of Christians. Family Ministries, a religious group, cancelled Willie Robertson’s appearance at an event in Tennessee due to the wine announcement.

History of Alcoholism

Brothers Phil and Silas Robertson openly admit to being alcoholics. In his book, Uncle Si opens up about how his alcohol problem affected him during his service in Vietnam and almost resulted in the murder of some Vietnamese civilians. Phil also suffered an addiction to alcohol that affected his work and family life. His rock bottom came when he kicked his wife and children out of the house for their questioning of his drinking habits.

Sexist Remarks

In 2013, a shocking video emerged in which Phil Robertson was shown encouraging men to marry girls when they are 15 or 16. He also wanted the men to make sure they marry someone who can cook. Phil married his wife, Miss Kay, when she was only 15.

Steve Bannon Connection

In his latest conservative documentary, Steve Bannon used Phil Robertson as a subject. During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Phil reportedly supported Bannon-backed Trump, but only after Ted Cruz — his candidate of choice — dropped out of the race.

Obligatory Beards

The Robertson mens’ signature long beards are apparently under contract. In an interview, Alan Robertson revealed that, “We all used to cut them off after hunting season. But now, since they are such big stars and their beards are in their contracts, they have to keep them at a certain length.”

Scripted Scenes

During filming, the Robertson family openly admitted to the falsified nature of their show, calling it instead “guided reality.” According to the New York Times, the producers of the show would often fabricate scenes and have the family act it out.

Most People Are Actors

The New York Times exposé wasn’t the only confirmation that many people appearing on the show were just actors. Radar Online received a casting call email for the show asking for four “stand-ins” who “MUST HAVE FULL BEARD.” An insider on the show told Radar, “Most people booked on the show including extras are actors working with agents exclusively.” We’re not surprised. “Reality” TV simply isn’t.

Camo BMW

The Robertsons surely present themselves as an “every man” family on the show, but when you become millionaires, there’s certain lifestyle changes that will come with it. Willie Robertson reportedly loves to drive around town in a custom-painted camouflage BMW. The camouflage is made of duck silhouettes, so he’s not far from character.

Love of Video Games

Jep Robertson also has an affinity for modern luxuries, but not how you might think. Robertson reportedly is an avid video game player, according to his A&E bio, often picking up the controller for the game Guild Wars, a fantasy role-playing game. He’s admitted to being a “nerd at heart.”

Miss Kay's Real Name

Ever wonder what Miss Kay’s real name was? Well, “Marcia, Marcia, Marci a…” It’s actually spelled, “Marsha” though. And speaking of first names, Jep’s real name is Jules.

Young Love

While Phil Robertson’s notion of marrying young women was controversial, Willie and his wife Korie at least agree to it in spirit, just in a less creepy way. The two met at summer camp when they were both in elementary school, and think it’s good to find love when you’re young so couples can avoid “all the baggage.”

Farewell, Duck Commanders!

Viewers said goodbye to A&E’s drama-ridden Duck Dynasty on March 29, 2017. The series’ final, hour-long finale, “End of an Era,” saw the cast bid farewell to audiences after a six-season, five-year run. Reports suggest that busy cast schedules, declining ratings, and the controversy surrounding Phil Robertson were to blame for the show’s cancellation, but both A&E and the cast claim it was a mutual decision. They told FOX411- After 5 years, 130 episodes and one of the biggest hits in the history of cable, the Robertson family and A&E jointly decided that Duck Dynasty, the series, will come to an end after this season.

Camera Shy

According to Willie, Uncle Si was quite camera shy when the series began. In fact, early on cameras had to be hidden to capture him on film. However, after seeing footage of just how funny he was, Si became more comfortable filming.

Fans Go Too Far

Uncle Si got so comfortable on camera that he soon developed a large, rabid female fanbase. Said fanbase sent him so many messages that Si was forced to post a photo of himself and his wife Christine on Facebook to let his admirers know he was taken.

Hall of Fame Backup

In 1966 and 1967, Phil Robertson was the starting quarterback for Louisiana Tech’s college football team. His back QB during those years? Future Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. Years later, Robertson would joke about their respective football futures, “Terry went for the bucks, and I chased after the ducks.”

Masters

Robertson didn’t spend all his time in college playing football however, He also earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and later, a master’s in education.

More Controversial Remarks

Adding on to his litany of controversial remarks, at the 2015 CPAC convention, Phil Robertson alleged that STDs are the “legacy” of Nazis, Communists, beatniks, and hippies.  Somehow, that isn’t the most controversial thing Robertson said at the convention however…

A Bizzarre Anecdote

Following his STDs comparison, Robertson told a disturbing anecdote about an atheist and his family being murdered, with the assailants proclaiming, “But you’re the one who says there is no God, there’s no right, there’s no wrong, so we’re just having fun.”

Ducks or Blowfish?

The cast of Duck Dynasty appeared in the music video for “Wagon Wheel” by country singer Darius Rucker. Rucker is best known as the lead singer of 1990s alternative band Hootie and the Blowfish.

The Original Show

Prior to their widespread success on A&E, the Robertsons had a series on the Outdoor Channel called  “Benelli Presents Duck Commander” after their famous duck call product. The series wasn’t a massive success, but got them a pilot at A&E… and the rest is history.

Untrue Rumors

During the run of the series, rumors spread that “atheist groups” pushed for A&E to removed scenes of the Robertson family praying. However, according to Phil Robertson’s son, Alan on Twitter, “The rumor that A and E told the Robertsons to tone down guns and prayer is not true.”

Christmas Smash

Given there well-established religious beliefs, it’s likely that the Robertson family are big fans of Christmas. In turn, this probably means that their season 2 finale/Christmas special smashed A&E viewership records and became the highest rated telecast in the network’s history to that point. Perhaps that inspired a later Christmas venture…

Duck the Halls

In 2013, the Robertson family parlayed their success into a Christmas album, Duck the Halls- A Robertson Family Christmas. The record, which featured the family members tackling classic Holiday tunes including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, and “Silent night”, has sold over 800,000 copies in the United States.

Snubbed by Morrissey

In 2013, legendary British alternative star Morrissey snubbed the Robertson family by dropping out of an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live as he did not want to appear with “animal serial killers.” Phil Robertson simply responded, “Whoever he is, I don’t hold it against him.”

Last Men Standing

The Robertson family guest starred on the third season premiere of the sitcom Last Man Standing. The spot made perfect sense, since the show’s star Tim Allen is a well-known and outspoken conservative, just like the Robertsons, a relative rarity in Hollywood.

Dynasty With the Stars

Sadie Robertson (granddaughter of Phil Robertson and daughter of Korie and Willie Robertson) appeared on the 19th season of the smash reality series Dancing With the Stars. Robertson made it all the way to the last  episode before losing in the finals. She’s parlayed that into acting success, appearing in films including God’s Not Dead 2 and I’m Not Ashamed.

Willie Robertson Cuts His Hair For The 1st Time in 15 Years

Willie Robertson’s long hair and bushy beard are iconic but that all changed after 15 years when he shocked his fans and family by getting a haircut to keep up with the times. Luckily he only got a trim to the beard, but he won’t be needing that bandana to contain his flow anymore.