HONOLULU -- Duane "Dog" Chapman and his family appeared on Wednesday with a prominent African-American leader to say things have been resolved after a racial firestorm ignited after a recorded phone conversation revealed him using a racial profanity.

The popular cable TV reality show "Dog The Bounty Hunter" was abruptly canceled last year after a taped phone conversation was made public in which Chapman could be heard using the "N" word, referring to his son's African-American girlfriend.

The bounty hunter and his family appeared with Niger Innis of the Congress of Racial Equality to announce that the show is back in production. Innis said African-Americans have forgiven Dog.

"Absolutely. We forgave him on day one when we got a chance to meet him and got to know him, and know his story," Innis said.

Chapman's wife, Beth, said they learned a lot from the incident.

"You know? It's a humbling experience," Chapman said. "We made a mistake. We erred. We have to have a second chance."

The bounty hunter said he is thrilled to get another chance.

"It feels fantastic. I mean it feels great. I've waited almost a year for this day. It feels fantastic," Chapman said.

His show is returning. The new season begins in July.