Papa John’s rocked by founder’s n-word scandal

Papa John’s ex-honcho is adding fuel to his fiery reputation for cutthroat remarks.

The founder and chairman John Schnatter made racist comments during a May conference call while he was receiving public relations training from an outside marketing firm.

The restaurateur stepped down as chief executive in January after Forbes reported that while discussing the issue involving football players taking a knee during the national anthem he griped that “Colonel Sanders called blacks n—–s” and never faced a backlash.

Schnatter made that comment during a call between Papa John’s execs and marketing agency Laundry Service, Forbes reported early Wednesday, citing a “source with knowledge of the event.”

Schnatter also reflected on his youth growing up in Indiana, where he claimed on the conference call that “people used to drag African-Americans from trucks until they died,” according to the Forbes report, which claimed he shared the story in a misguided effort to show his distaste for racism.

The chain’s stock fell 4.9 percent on Wednesday, to $48.33.

After reports of the comments were widely reported, Schnatter issued an apology.

“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,” he said in a statement issued by the chain.

While Laundry Service reps declined to comment, owner Casey Wasserman terminated the company’s contract with Papa John’s.

The pizza chain issued a statement without confirming or denying the incident. “Papa John’s condemns racism and any insensitive language, no matter the situation or setting.”

At least two analysts lowered their estimates for the company. “The brand continues to come under self-inflicted assault,” said analyst Mark Kalinowski.