‘Dog The Bounty Hunter’ Issues Racial Slurs, Apology
Colorado Springs – One of my favorite programs on satellite television has long been, “Dog The Bounty Hunter,” and his frequent appearances here in Colorado Springs further stoked my desire to meet the man and legend one day. Maybe not now: Doug “Dog” Chapman has been caught on videotape, uttering the N-word repeatedly.
Chapman was recorded repeatedly using the N-word in a telephone conversation with one of his sons, whose girlfriend is black. In the conversation, Chapman urges his son to break up with his black girlfriend. He also expresses concern about the girlfriend going public about the TV star’s use of the N-word. The Associated Press reported Chapman as being quoted:
“It’s not because she’s black. It’s because we use the word “n—–” sometimes here.”
“I’ve worked for 30 years because some fucking n—– heard us say ‘n—–’ and turned us into the Enquirer magazine. Our career is over.”
The recording was first posted online by The National Enquirer tabloid magazine. It was unclear who recorded the conversation or how the tabloid obtained the 90-second clip in which Chapman uses the N-word six times. A woman at the Enquirer said no one would be available to comment after hours. In apologizing, Chapman issued this statement:
“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 also said the clip was completely taken out of context and added:
“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.”
He will also be meeting with his spiritual advisor, whom is also Black.
“I know that all of my fans are deeply disappointed in me, as well, as I have tried to be a model for doing the right thing. I did not do the right thing this time, and hope you will forgive me.”
Paotie’s PostScript: For a man who has spent most of his life giving people a second chance, I wonder if the general public will be as forgiving towards Chapman. I understand his poor choice of words, but what disappointed me more than anything is that Chapman put himself above all others, including his son’s choice in dating a black woman.
Sadly, Chapman’s use of the N-word also disappoints me greatly, too. Chapman, who routinely preaches tolerance and love towards fellow humans, should not have regressed to the point where his anger blinded him and lashed out at his son, of all people.
Mostly, I’m sorry for the son and his girlfriend. They deserved better. I think we as fans do, too.
Paotie
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Well, I’m questioning the fact on how a private call was taped in the first place, and had it posted for the public to hear. But the Enquirer got wind of the first “n” word when it was reported and I wondering whether the Enquirer somehow listened in on the call hoping they’d hit a gold mine by recording it somehow?
Besides, I don’t even watch the show. Don’t like it. Don’t care for him and his band of bounty hunters.
McConnell,
Actually, from what I could find, Chapman seemed threatened by the girlfriend. I don’t know if she threatened to go to a tabloid about his use of the N-word, but it sounds almost as if that’s the case. Regardless, he shouldn’t be disparaging a young woman in that type of context at all.
He was talking to his SON, for crying out loud. How is that to set a good example for the son and the millions of kids who look up to Chapman?
I liked his show because once upon a time, a group of CJ majors were going to start a bounty-hunter business. And then a bounty hunter killed somebody in Arizona, and everything changed. So, I watch it to live vicariously through him. I always wanted to a career in law enforcement (I have a degree in Criminal Justice).
Did you watch the TUF last night?
Paotie
TUF? Nope.
I understand about him talking to his son. However, it was a *private* call to begin with and who taped it? Did the Enquirer send somebody out with electronic surveillance equipments in the hope to catch him off guard? That’s what I’m wondering…
I think that’s a great point.
Sounds like a Linda Tripp scenario unfolding, perhaps?
Paotie, there’s not much we know about Dog’s son’s girlfriend. That’s maybe why Dog wasn’t so happy about his son’s choice in this particular woman and just lashed out at his son. It’s a private family thing that have gotten blown out of proportions by a secret recording of a phone conversation. Like Mike said, where did that phone recording come from and, in addition, what’s the ulterior motive for it against Dog?
Ding-ding! Someone has an agenda!
Yes, and that is very disconcerting. I wonder who got paid for that tape? The only person to tip off Enquirer early on could very well either be Chapman’s son or his girlfriend. Unless, of course, Chapman has a nanny or somebody who was at his house doing a service overheard him say it.
Suppose we find out that Chapman was a victim of an attempt at blackmail by the son and/or girlfriend. How does that change the dynamic of the whole situation?
Paotie
Well, that’d be fodder for news for sure. But the bottom line is that a private call was breached. I would think if we found out that it was blackmail and that money was exchanged to get this private information out, I think the public would be a bit more angry than not regarding privacy issues. It may even put Chapman into a more sympathetic light. Right now I bet people are now more piqued over how this information was obtained.
If there would be a blackmail attempt by the son or his girlfriend, then we would have one pissed off Dog. lol!
Rob, hehehehe .. I wouldn’t want to be on Dog’s bad side, dude!
I think you’re right, McConnell, about both the public and the recorded calls themselves.
Quick! Who are your top 5 MMA fighters?
Ah, the vindictive and hurtful son…the culprit.
Lawyer: Chapman’s Son Sold N-Word Tape
Now, will the father sue his own son?
Also,
“An after-hours telephone message for David Perel, the Enquirer’s editor in chief, was not immediately returned. But earlier in the day, Perel declined to say how the tape was obtained, saying what mattered was what’s on the tape.”
Hey, I wanna know how the phone was obtained. Did Enquirer offer advice on how? Did they offer equipment? Collusion?
If so, then Chapman could sue Enquirer somehow over some technicality?
Interesting questions. I think it depends on Chapman’s goals with regard to his show, career and lifestyle. If he wants to keep what he has now (for the most part), then he will probably try to do a “forgive and forget” approach towards his son. I dunno how the girlfriend changes the variables, but .. that’ll be interesting.
Yah, sounds like collusion on the part of the Enquirer. The Enquirer would have the most to gain from this story, and probably is reaping the rewards for such collusion.
I would guess Chapman could sue under a host of issues, ranging from privacy issues towards FCC violations towards conspiracy to commit a fraud. I dunno – I’m not an attorney so I’m merely speculating here.
I know more about criminal law than I do about torts, except for those relating to corporate and civil rights (ADA, etc.). Otherwise, this situation with Dog is beyond my scope of civil law.
I bet the public will be more forgiving of Dog now that we can see the motivation behind the tapes.
What do you think?
never heard of this show until you brought it up. I guess Dog is the new paris hilton/britney spears. To bad he’s not blonde. Is he?
I always wanted to a career in law enforcement .
You playing into my cop fetish Paotie? Heh.
Still like Dog, always will. We have no idea what the entire story is. Holding off passing judgment for the time being.
So, you have a uniform fetish Stacy or just cops in particular?
Both
Whatever!!! Dog is awesome and we all make mistakes. We who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. I am not racist and I have said that word once or twice. I dont understand how someones privacy can be invaded like that. Makes me mad. I hate the national enquirer.
Kelli ..
Yah, I despise the National Enquirer, too. Shady practices, and bad journalism makes for a terrible rag-tag.
I’m disappointed that the call was recorded. I’m also disappointed that Dog put himself into such a position in the first place by saying the word repeatedly in front of the girlfriend. Dog, who seems very smart, should’ve known better.
I think he’ll be fine. The American public has a very short attention (and memory) span.
Thank you for commenting, Kelli!
Paotie
Paotie,
I don’t think Dog was aware of any recording of his conversation with his son over the phone. I suspected that either his son or his girlfriend recorded it on the other end while Dog was mouthing off to his son.
That is messed up how Dog was going off like that with the n word. I put up a video showing how I feel about the whole thing. It has some extra footage of this bullshi_and the story of how he became a bounty hunter. The video is called “ Dog Duane Chapman Bounty Hunter “N” Word – Talking With Dave #4”. It’s at
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4oC8OgFkd38
My videos are kind of…. Different.
David ..
First, I must apologize – I’m deaf and couldn’t understand a whole lot of your video.
BUT – if there’s one thing I appreciate, it’s people’s creativity, and I appreciated your unique approach to Dog’s situation. I laughed and thought, “now that’s an interesting and unique approach!” as I watched your video.
*laughs*
I won’t ruin the surprise, but people should get a chuckle at the very least from your video. I wish I could understand more, but .. I got at least one subtle point you made – which was a good one as far as I can tell.
Cool beans!
Paotie
An Apology issued through a lawyer. I have heard of more sincere apologizes at the World Series of Poker Final Table than this. I used to be a fan of this show until I heard a white ex-con justify his use of a racial slur and question his son’s choice of mate because us black people are not classy enough, give me a break. Jeez How much does A and E make off this real life smokey and the bandit rip off show. Second Chances are for real apologies not 250 dollar an hour lawyer ones. A and E should be ashamed for putting this show back on the air.