The Real Reason Dog The Bounty Hunter's Sons Quit His Show
Dog the Bounty Hunter (a.k.a. Duane Chapman) is no stranger to controversy or heartache, and as part of a big brood, there's bound to be a few family falling outs, right? That was the case when things came to a head between Dog and two of his sons, Duane Lee and Leland Chapman.
According to LA Late News, the famous bounty hunter's family feud involved questionable dealings at the family's bail bond business, which, of course, played out on the hit reality show, Dog the Bounty Hunter. In March of 2012, a tense episode aired that featured Duane Lee and Dog's late wife, Beth Chapman, getting into a verbal altercation. A promo for the reality series teased the drama: "They have gone after the toughest, most violent fugitives," but tune in to watch as "the family goes after each other." Yikes!
And that they did. What exactly pushed Dog's sons to their breaking point and prompted them to supposedly quit the show? Read on for all the dramatic details.
Dog the Bounty Hunter's sons butted heads at work
According to LA Late News, the drama within Dog the Bounty Hunter's family began when Beth Chapman grew displeased with her stepson, Duane Lee, and his business decisions. Going into business with family isn't easy, and according to Chapman, Lee wasn't paying attention to details at work.
"That is the trouble with working with your family because sometimes they take liberties," she said on Dog the Bounty Hunter, per LA Late News. "I'm just hoping I can get my work done today without big drama." Everyone knows those words foreshadow trouble on reality TV.
Lee apparently didn't like being corrected at work, and a screaming match ensued. "If you want me fired, then you have to fire me, Beth," Lee said. In an apparent act of solidarity, Lee's brother, Leland Chapman, followed suit. "I quit too," Leland screamed. And there you have it, folks.
But a lot has transpired since that explosive encounter in 2012. Where do things stand today?
Where are Dog the Bounty Hunter's sons now?
According to LA Late News, Leland Chapman (pictured right) is living in Hawaii and running his own bail bond and tactical supply business. Leland's (now defunct) personal website talked about his goals at the time: "The true REALITY is the fact that he feels it's time to move on, do his own thing, and continue carving out the Legacy of Leland Chapman."
What about Duane Lee? In 2019, AmoMama reported that Lee (pictured left) had not spoken publicly about his explosive exit from the Dog the Bounty Hunter reality show. CelebLiveUpdate reports that Lee resides in Florida and is working as a financial advisor.
Leland did reappear on the family's reality show in later episodes and appeared to be on good terms with Beth Chapman and his dad. Unfortunately, Beth passed away in June 2019 after a long battle with cancer. Following her death, Leland appeared on Entertainment Tonight with his dad and some of his siblings. He spoke fondly of his step-mom, saying that the family had "mended that gap."
In May 2020, Dog reportedly got engaged to a rancher named Francie Frane. According to The Sun, they "want all their family — including Dog's 12 children, Francie's two sons and their grandchildren to all share in their day." Dog has said he wants a very big, very public wedding, so perhaps fans will learn more about Leland and Duane when those wedding bells ring.