Duane 'Dog The Bounty Hunter' Chapman Snaps Back At Critics Claiming He Joined Brian Laundrie Manhunt For 'Fame': 'I Don't Need The Publicity'
Duane "Dog The Bounty Hunter" Chapman has had enough of trolls and internet sleuths insisting he joined the Brian Laundrie manhunt to garner fame.
The bounty hunter joined the search to find the most wanted man in America — who has been deemed a person of interest in fiancé Gabby Petito's death after he returned alone from their cross-country road trip in her van and disappeared right before her body was found — to bring justice to the Petito family. However, Chapman has since taken the heat from people questioning his motives.
Private investigator Bill Warner told The Sun that Chapman's "outrageous" probe is taking legitimate tips away from the FBI's search, as the 68-year-old said he's received thousands of tips since joining the hunt.
Despite what the skeptics think, the former bail bondsman insisted: "I don't need the publicity." Chapman told Florida journalist Brian Entin of New Nation Now everyone already knows who he is because of his TV shows.
"I could do other things to get publicity besides this — this is what I do for a living, [for] 35 years," the Dog and Beth: On the Hunt alum candidly said, noting he doesn't pay any mind to the haters.
Chapman acknowledged people doubt his ability to find criminals, but said his career that reportedly boasts over 10,000 successful bounties proves them all wrong. "They said same thing with so many cases: 'he's chasing a shooting star he'll never catch him,'" the TV personality added.
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Chapman began searching for the fugitive on Saturday, September 25, and showed up to Laundrie's family home, which his parents, Roberta and Chris, didn't appreciate. Chapman previously explained he showed up to the Florida home to chat with Chris, noting around "50 percent of the time" parents know where their kids are, and another "35 percent of the parents help."
However, when he began snooping around their North Port, Flor., household, Roberta and Chris called the police on him.
As OK! reported, Chapman was the first to report Laundrie went on a camping trip with his family to Fort De Soto Park in Florida, days before he vanished. The Dog's Most Wanted star is now leading a search in the campground — which is 75 miles away from the Laundrie home — after receiving a tip that the 33-year-old was in the area.
And while Chapman made it clear that finding Laundrie is his number one priority, OK! learned he's figured out how to get the best of both worlds by creating a possible show focused on his personal search for the missing man.
Production company Thinkfactory Media is reportedly working with Chapman on pitching the new television show, which would mark Chapman's return to the small screen after his Dog The Bounty Hunter show was canceled because of his use of "racial and homophobic epithets."
