Papa John's Founder Apologizes For Using N-Word

(RTTNews) - Papa John's Founder and Chairman John Schnatter Wednesday apologized for using the N-word during a conference call in May.

In a statement issued through the company, Schnatter said: "News reports attributing the use of inappropriate and hurtful language to me during a media training session regarding race are true. Regardless of the context, I apologize. Simply stated, racism has no place in our society."

According to Forbes, a conference call was arranged between Papa John's executives and marketing agency Laundry Service. It was designed as a role-playing exercise and public relations training for Schnatter.

Schnatter reportedly said "Colonel Sanders called blacks n-----s," and complained Sanders never faced public backlash.

Forbes also reported that Schnatter also reflected on his early life in Indiana, where, he said, people used to drag African-Americans from trucks until they died. He apparently intended for the remarks to convey his antipathy to racism.

Schnatter had resigned from the CEO post in January for his remarks on football players taking a knee during the national anthem.