Reality TV star Duane Dog” Chapman of A&E’s hit show, “Dog the Bounty Hunter” has publicly apologized after a private phone conversation where he repeatedly used the “N” word was leaked to the “National Enquirer” and made public.
In a conversation with his son, (click here to listen to a clip, but be warned, the language is explicit.) Tucker, Chapman expressed concerns about his girlfriend, who is black, because he felt that she would out him to the news media if she heard him say anything she deemed racist—since he admitted he sometimes uses the “N” word. During the conversation, he also noted that if the public knew that he used such a word, he would have everything taken away from him and they would jump to the conclusion that he was a racist.
In the recorded phone call he said that when he—or someone else on his bounty hunting team says the N-word that, “We don’t mean f—— scum n—– without a soul. We don’t mean that. But America would think we mean that.”

In a statement, Chapman, who is a Christian, said, that he has “the utmost respect and aloha for black people who have suffered so much due to racial discrimination and acts of hatred.”
“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,” he said. “I am ashamed of myself and I pledge to do whatever I can to repair this damage I have caused.
“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.”
According to TMZ.com, Dog has reached out to his spiritual adviser for guidance, Pastor Tim Storey, who is African-American, as well as started the process of kissing up to Rev. Al Sharpton.
A&E has said they have suspended production on the show until there is a full investigation.
To read Dog’s interview with Beliefnet—where he does not use the N-word, click here.