On April 4, 2007, syndicated talk radio host Don Imus ignites a firestorm after making racially
disparaging remarks about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team, insulting their appearance and tattoos and, most infamously, calling them “nappy-headed hos.” After a nationwide torrent of criticism, Imus apologized and lost his job but ultimately salvaged his career.
The Rev. Al Sharpton called for Imus to be “taken off the airwaves,” and
Barack Obama, who would become the nation’s
first African American president the following January, called Imus’ remarks “divisive, hurtful, and offensive.” MSNBC, which simulcast
Imus in the Morning on television, dropped the show on April 11. The following morning, Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson met with Les Moonves, CEO of CBS, who announced the cancellation of
Imus in the Morning that afternoon.
Duane "Dog" Chapman is rushing to do some damage control after using the N-word in a phone call to his son.
The
"Dog the Bounty Hunter" star used the racist slur in a taped phone call that the
National Enquirermade public, prompting A&E, which produces Chapman's popular show to release the following statement to
TMZ.com: "A&E has just learned of the story released by the National Enquirer concerning Duane Dog Chapman. We take this matter very seriously. Pending an investigation, we have suspended production on the series. When the inquiry is concluded we will take appropriate action."
On the tape, Chapman is heard haranguing his son about his black girlfriend. The cable TV celebrity released the following statement late Wedensday (Oct. 31):
The Food Network is ending its relationship with Paula Deen after
her admission in a deposition last month that she has used the N-word in the past, and once wanted to plan a "plantation"-style wedding for her brother.
"Food Network will not renew Paula Deen's contract when it expires at the end of this month,” it said in a statement.
Also read:
Paula Deen: 'I Beg Your Forgiveness'
The decision came soon after Deen released a videotaped statement Friday in which she apologized "for the wrong that I've done."