A&E Suspends Bounty Hunter Production

NEW YORK, November 1: A&E has suspended production on
its hit reality series Dog the Bounty Hunter, after the tabloid National Enquirer released a recording of the show’s star using a
racial slur during a conversation with his son.

In the telephone recording, Duane “Dog” Chapman is heard
using the N-word when talking about his son’s African-American girlfriend.
According to reports, Chapman uses the racial slur six times over the course of
about 90 seconds. It is not clear how the tabloid obtained the recording, during
which Chapman urges his son to end the relationship.

A&E has suspended production on the show, which is
filmed in Honolulu, Hawaii. A&E issued a statement saying: “We take this
matter very seriously. Pending an investigation, we have suspended production on
the series. When the inquiry is concluded, we will take appropriate action.”

Chapman released a statement apologizing for the slurs,
saying that he has "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. I am ashamed of myself and I pledge to do
whatever I can to repair this damage I have caused."

His statement continued: “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.

"I was disappointed in his choice of a friend, not due
to her race, but her character. However, I should have never used that
term."

This is not the first time Chapman has made headlines. The
bounty hunter first came to fame after apprehending Andrew Luster, an heir to
the Max Factor family, in 2003 on rape charges. Last year, Chapman was arrested
in connection with the Luster apprehension and charged with illegal detention
and conspiracy. Those allegations were eventually dismissed by Mexican
authorities.

—By Mansha Daswani