Papa John’s founder resigns after apologising over racial slur
The apology by John Schnatter came after the pizza chain’s marketing firm reportedly broke ties with the company.
The founder of the Papa John’s pizza chain has resigned as chairman of the board, the company said.
The firm made the announcement hours after John Schnatter apologised for using a racial slur during a conference call in May.
The apology came after Forbes cited an anonymous source saying the pizza chain’s marketing firm had broken ties with the company.
Forbes said Mr Schnatter used the N-word during a media training exercise.
When asked how he would distance himself from racist groups, he reportedly complained that Colonel Sanders never faced a backlash for using the word.
In a statement released by Papa John’s – based in Louisville, Kentucky – Mr Schnatter said reports attributing use of “inappropriate and hurtful” language to him were true.
