In a statement released late yesterday, Duane Chapman, star of the A&E hit, Dog the Bounty Hunter, apologized for making racist remarks during a taped phone conversation with his son, Tucker. In the nearly eight minute long phone call, Chapman threatens to fire his son if he doesn't break up with his girlfriend, Monique Shinnery, because she is a black girl. Then he just basically says "nigger" over and over. Chapman says:

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. It was completely taken out of context. 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. I have the utmost respect and aloha for black people who have already 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."

In less than 24 hours, A&E has suspended production on the show and Chapman has reportedly reached out to Al Sharpton in an effort to explain. Because if anybody can set agenda aside and bring a peaceful resolution to this whole thing, it's Al Sharpton. He's like a modern day Gandhi. By this time next week, Chapman will throw a picnic where kids of all races will share ice cream cones and push each other on swing sets. Chapman will be seen teaching a little black boy named Rodney how to fly a kite, and during the campfire, Carrie Underwood and T-Pain will hold hands and sing "God Bless America." I can almost guarantee it.

Listen to the short and full versions of the audiotape here.

Carrie Underwood on Good Morning America last week: