Duane “Dog” Chapman is going to have a hard time getting out of the doghouse this time…
The TV bounty hunter put his foot in his mouth and is now putting his tail between his legs as he desperately tries to apologize for using the N-word repeatedly in a profanity-laced tirade during a private phone conversation with his son that was recorded and posted online.
If being caught (by the National Enquirer of all publications) wasn’t bad enough, reports now say that A&E, the network that airs Chapman’s hit reality series, has suspended production of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” despite the fact that it is the cable network’s highest rated show.
According to TMZ.com, Chapman used the racial slur six times in the 90-second recording—-each time in reference to his son’s black girlfriend. In the recorded conversation that was leaked to the Enquirer, Chapman urges his son to breakup with his girlfriend. He also expresses concern about the girlfriend going public about the TV star’s use of the N-word.
As of Wednesday night it was still unclear who recorded the conversation or how the Enquirer obtained the 1 1/2-minute clip. Regardless, Chapman spent the better part of the day trying to make amends for his actions.
In a statement released to the media, the 54-year-old Chapman claimed he had “the utmost respect” for those who suffer due to racial discrimination.
“I did not mean to add yet another slap in the face to an entire race of people who have brought so many gifts to this world,” Chapman said. “I am ashamed of myself and I pledge to do whatever I can to repair this damage I have caused.”
Chapman added, “My sincerest, heartfelt apologies go out to every person I have offended for my regrettable use of very inappropriate language. I am deeply disappointed in myself for speaking out of anger to my son and using such a hateful term in a private phone conversation.”
Chapman then apologized to his fans and maintained that his comments were taken out of context. The reality TV star admitted that he is not fond of his son’s girlfriend, but denies that her race has anything to do with his feelings for her. Rather, Chapman says it’s her character that bothers him.
Ironically, following this incident, Chapman is the one whose character is being called into question.
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