The Life and Controversies of Duane "Dog" Chapman, Bounty Hunter

The Life and Controversies of Duane "Dog" Chapman

Duane "Dog" Chapman has led an eventful and tumultuous life. As a bounty hunter and television personality, he has captured the imagination of viewers who tune in to watch his exploits. However, Chapman has also been a controversial figure who has faced accusations of racism and having inappropriate relationships.

Early Life and Introduction to Bounty Hunting

Chapman was born in Denver, Colorado in 1953. He had a turbulent childhood as his father was an alcoholic who abused Dog's mother. This led Chapman to start drinking himself at the young age of 13 and getting into trouble with the law.

In his late teens, Chapman was convicted of first degree murder and served 5 years in prison. After being paroled in 1979, Chapman decided to turn his life around. He became motivated to become a bounty hunter after seeing a TV show about the profession.

Marriage to La Fonda Sue Honeycutt

In 1982, Chapman married La Fonda Sue Honeycutt in Colorado. The two of them started a bail bonds business and worked together as bounty hunters. They had two children together and divorced in 2006.

Racial Controversy & Fallout

In 2007, a private phone conversation between Chapman and his son Tucker was leaked in which Chapman used a racial slur repeatedly. This caused outrage, leading the A&E network to suspend production on Chapman's TV show "Dog the Bounty Hunter".

Chapman held a press conference to apologize, stating he was not a racist but acknowledging his language had been unacceptable. He reached out to black leaders to make amends before A&E allowed him to return to television.

Relationship with Beth Smith

In 1986, Chapman began a personal and professional relationship with Alice Elizabeth "Beth" Barmore Smith. She had been hired by his bail bonds business as an office administrator. Over time their working dynamic evolved into a romantic one despite both of them still being married.

Chapman split from his first wife in 1994 and married Smith in 2006. Beth was an integral part of Chapman's bounty hunting team and became a star alongside Dog on their reality shows. Their relationship continued until Beth tragically passed away from cancer in 2019.

Lawsuit from Moon Angell

Months after Beth's death, Chapman became engaged to a woman named Moon Angell - a former assistant and friend of Beth's. This caused anger from his children who accused Angell of improperly pursuing a romantic relationship so soon after Beth had died.

The engagement was called off within days. But in early 2020, Angell filed a lawsuit against Chapman alleging wrongful termination and emotional distress from the backlash over their relationship.

The Legacy of Dog the Bounty Hunter

While clearly a controversial figure, Duane "Dog" Chapman has also become an iconic pop culture star and made bounty hunting a well-known profession. His rough-and-tumble exploits chasing down fugitives have been compelling viewing for millions of fans.

In addition to starring in several popular reality shows over the years, Chapman has been the subject of books, action figures and merchandise. His distinctive appearance and persona have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and bounty hunting alike.

As he moves into his 70s, Chapman continues to be a lighting rod for attention - both good and bad. But it's clear that his wild ride as the face of bail enforcement is still going strong after so many decades.

FAQs

Why did Dog Chapman go to prison?

Dog Chapman served 18 months in prison after being convicted of first degree murder. The crime occurred in 1976 when Chapman was involved in a drug deal that ended with the dealer being killed. Despite not pulling the trigger, Chapman was still found guilty due to his involvement.

What did Dog Chapman say that was racist?

In a private phone call with his son Tucker, Chapman was recorded repeatedly using the N-word. When the tape was leaked in 2007, it caused outrage at his use of racial slurs resulting in his show being temporarily pulled off the air.

Is Dog still bounty hunting?

Yes, despite his advancing age, Dog Chapman still continues to work as a bounty hunter. He runs Da Kine Bail Bonds in Hawaii and continues to track down fugitives that have skipped bail alongside members of his team.

How did Beth Chapman die?

Beth Chapman unfortunately passed away in 2019 after a long battle with throat cancer. Her death was a devastating loss both personally and professionally to Duane "Dog" Chapman, as she had been his wife and bounty hunting partner.