Duane Chapman’s Son, Released from Prison, Reportedly Sold Their Phone Call That Made Show Halt

Duane Chapman, popularly known as "Dog the Bounty Hunter," had his show halted after a phone call to criticize his son's girlfriend was leaked to the media. Here are suspicions over who leaked the call.

To his admirers, Duane Chapman is both controversial and fascinating. Chapman is a television personality, bounty hunter, and former bail bondsman from the United States.

Following the successful capture of Max Factor's heir, Andrew Luster, in Mexico in 2003, the 68-year-old became known as a bounty hunter. Factor had eluded capture in the United States while on trial for raping and assaulting multiple victims.

Since then, Chapman and his family-membered squad have risen to fame in the reality show industry. They have become popular particularly for their ability to apprehend outlaws from their safe houses.

With his signature shades and golden blonde hair, Chapman rose to stardom in the hit A&E show "Dog the Bounty Hunter." The show tracked his exploits tracking down bail jumpers.

The program, which debuted in 2004 and lasted eight seasons, piqued America's interest in a different form of reality television. However, producers abruptly canceled it after Chapman was overheard making derogatory remarks about his son's girlfriend.

Chapman made the remarks during a phone conversation with Tucker, his son. The conversation was leaked to the press, and Chapman was certain that his kid was the one who tipped the press off.

SOLD OFF BY HIS SON

A&E had previously provided Chapman with its full support while he was facing kidnapping allegations in Mexico. However, following his racial abuse, the network decided to halt the show and conduct an inquiry.

Chapman claimed he did not like Tucker's girlfriend, Monique Shinnery, who is black, around his show during his call with Tucker. Chapman explained he did not like her presence because he and his friends used racial expletives, which he did not want leaking to the press.

Following the suspension of "Dog the Bounty Hunter," Chapman confessed that his son had taped and sold the conversation to The National Enquirer. He expressed that he had no idea why Tucke would do that.

Chapman, who has 12 kids and has been married five times, noted that Tucker had refused to talk to him over the incident. During an interview with Larry King, the bounty hunter said he believed Tucker teamed up with his mother, who he divorced decades ago in a bid to get back at him.

While he was in prison, his first wife, LaFonda, divorced him and married his best friend.

An emotional Chapman explained that he only wanted the best for his son, who had a tough upbringing. He further explained he believed his choice of a girlfriend was not going to help him become better.

Like Chapman, Tucker has had a few brushes with the law and even paid a huge price for his wrong choices. He was sentenced to prison when he was 18 years old and served four years of a 20-year term for armed robbery before being freed on parole.

Chapman admitted he was meddling in Tucker's life, but he insisted his motive was not racially induced. Rather, he questioned the personality and character of Tucker's girlfriend, who he felt was not good enough. In his words, he did not want to see Tucker back in jail.

According to Chapman, Tucker sold the tape for $15 000, but he expressed his love for his son despite the betrayal. He added that he had forgiven him and considered him family.

AN APOLOGY

Chapman, who claims to be a devout Christian, issued an apology after his explosion hit the net. Chapman apologized for his hateful expression in a private conversation and expressed his regret over those hurt by his actions.

Chapman also noted that he should not have used such a term in the first place. He added that he has the deepest regard and goodwill for black people, who have already been through so much due to racial prejudice and hate crimes.

The crime fighter said that he was meeting with his spiritual counselor, Rev. Tim Storey, and he hoped to meet with other black leaders to see who he truly is and teach him how to set things right once more.

CHAPMAN RETURNS TO AIR

Three months after production pulled his show off air, Chapman was set to return. The network revealed that it had decided to resume the production of his show, which was aired in ten countries.

According to the network, Chapman's desire to make amends after his racial comments went viral made him deserving of a second chance. The former ex-con reached out to several black communities hoping to salvage his reputation with them.

MEET CHAPMAN

Duane "Dog" Chapman is the oldest of four children. He has two younger sisters and one brother and was born in 1953 to Wesley and Barbara.

The famed bounty hunter was raised in a strict religious household as part of a mixed-race family. His mother, an Assembly of God minister, instilled in her son her Christian values, which he claims to uphold.

Growing up, Chapman had a difficult time. He had multiple run-ins with the law in addition to being involved in narcotics deals. Chapman was sentenced to five years in jail in Texas after being convicted of first-degree murder in 1976.

He was waiting in a car when his companion accidentally shot and killed alleged Pimp and Drug Dealer Jerry Oliver after a skirmish during a transaction to buy cannabis.

The reality star was held in the Texas State Penitentiary in Huntsville for 18 months. While in prison, his first wife, LaFonda, divorced him and married his best friend. During his term, he did fieldwork and worked as the warden's barber.

Chapman talked about his time in prison in a 2007 interview with Fox, claiming that he had the idea for the reality program he would eventually be famous for while in custody. Chapman is still active in the bounty hunting business and spends much of his time sharing tips with other hunters.