HONOLULU -- TV bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman has apologized for using the N-word repeatedly in a profanity-laced tirade.

It came during a private phone conversation with his son that was recorded and posted online.

Chapman is the star of A&E's hit reality series "Dog the Bounty Hunter." A&E officials said production of the show has been suspended.

Chapman acknowledged using the racial slur in speaking about his son's girlfriend.

"I'm not going to take a chance ever in life losing everything I've worked for 30 years for some ***** *** and her to say **** and turn this into the Enquire Magazine," is an excerpt from the audio recording.

In a statement, the 54-year-old Chapman said he has the utmost respect and aloha for black people. He said the clip was taken out of context. (Read his full statement.)

---

Tonight, local soldiers in search of the enemy, never knowing if they're friend or foe. The search for terror inside Afghanistan only on KITV 4 – Island Television News At 10.

---