Putoff by a racial slur repeatedly uttered by Duane "Dog" Chapman in a
conversation with his son and posted on the Internet, A&E has pulled the
plug on "Dog The Bounty Hunter."
"In evaluating the circumstances of the last few days, A&E has decided to
take 'Dog The Bounty HunterĄŻoff the network's schedule for the foreseeable
future," the network said in a statement Friday. "We hope that Mr. Chapman
continues the healing process that he has begun."
A&E officials said the series, one of the network's top-rated programs,
has not been canceled.
Chapman, 54, has been accused of being a racist ever since the private
conversation with his son, Tucker Chapman, was posted online Wednesday by The
National Enquirer. Chapman used the N-word repeatedly about his son's black
girlfriend.
At least two advertisers have pulled out from the show and civil rights
groups have called for its cancellation.
Soon after the clip was posted, Chapman issued an apology and A&E
suspended production of the series.
In the conversation, Chapman urges Tucker to break up with his girlfriend. He
also expresses concern about the girlfriend trying to tape and go public about
the TV star's use of the N-word. He used the slur six times in the first 45
seconds of the five-minute clip.
His attorney, Brook Hart said his client is not a racist and vowed never to
use the word again. Hart said Tucker Chapman taped the call and sold it to the
Enquirer for "a lot of money."
