The A&E network has pulled its top-rated show Dog The Bounty Hunter indefinitely after the show's reality star used a racial slur several times in a private phone conversation that was posted online.

On Friday, network officials said the program, which follows bounty hunter Duane (Dog) Chapman and his family as they hunt down bail jumpers, will be off the schedule "for the foreseeable future."

Duane 'Dog' Chapman, takes a break while filming in Honolulu, Hawaii in this March photo. The reality star's popular A&E show has been pulled off air indefinitely because Chapman used a racial slur in a private conversation.
(Lucy Pemoni/Associated Press)

"We hope that Mr. Chapman continues the healing process that he has begun," said a statement released by the network.

"Pending an investigation, we have suspended production on the series. When the inquiry is concluded, we will take appropriate action," said a statement posted on the show's website.

The National Enquirer tabloid posted a phone conversation on Wednesday between the 54-year-old Chapman and his son, Tucker, in which he used the N-word frequently about his son's black girlfriend.

Two advertisers have pulled out from the show and civil rights groups are calling for its cancellation.

Vows never to use word again

Chapman has apologized saying he was "disappointed in [Tucker's] choice of a friend, not due to her race, but her character. However, I should have never used that term."  

He says he plans to make amends.

Chapman's lawyer Brook Hart said his client has vowed never to use the word again and said Tucker sold the taped phone call for "a lot of money."

In the conversation, Chapman pushes his son to dump his girlfriend and also says he's concerned the girlfriend is constantly trying to tape the TV star using the N-word and going public about it. 

He used the N-word six times during the five-minute clip.

A group of civil rights leaders have sent a letter demanding A&E remove the show permanently, saying Chapman's remarks are "a vicious attack" and "call to end interracial relations, as well as an incitement to violence."

Earl Ofari Hutchinson, head of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, accuses the network of being disingenuous about its concerns.

"It seems like … A&E is keeping their options open."

Hutchinson says the situation is somewhat similar to the comeback of radio shock jock Don Imus, who was fired by CBS in April for calling the Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos" but is now returning to radio in December with Citadel Broadcasting.

However, Hutchinson says Chapman's comments are far worse than anything Imus said.

With files from the Associated Press