PAPA JOHN’S FOUNDER RESIGNS AS CHAIRMAN

YORK» Papa John’s founder NEW

John Schnatter has resigned after reportedly using a racial slur during a conference call in May. His resignation followed an apology Wednesday that came after Forbes cited a source saying the pizza chain’s marketing firm broke ties with the company afterward.

Forbes said Schnatter used the N-word during a media training exercise. When asked how he would distance himself from racist groups, Schnatter reportedly complained that Colonel Sanders never faced a backlash for using the word.

In a statement released by Louisville, Ky.-based Papa John’s, Schnatter said reports attributing use of “inappropriate and hurtful” language to him were true.

“Regardless of the context, I apologize,” the statement says.

The University of Louisville also said Wednesday that Schnatter resigned from its board of trustees.