HONOLULU -- The A&E cable network announced on Friday it pulled the hit reality television show "Dog the Bounty Hunter" off the air.

The network announced the decision two days after the release of a tape in which Duane "Dog" Chapman was caught in a racist rant about his son's African-American girlfriend.

An attorney for Chapman said his son Tucker sold the audiotape to the National Enquirer for a lot of money.

In a statement A&E executives said the network, "has decided to take dog the bounty hunter off the network's schedule for the foreseeable future."

It goes on to say, "We hope that Mr. Chapman continues the healing process that he has begun."

An executive at A&E confirmed a major sponsor of the show pulled its advertising.

Chapman has apologized for his behavior.

"Dog the Bounty Hunter" was in its fifth season and was one of A&E's most popular shows.