Dr. Laura Ending Radio Show after N-Word Uproar

Talk radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger announced Tuesday night that in order to "regain my First Amendment rights" and to no longer have to "live in fear" she is stepping down from the show on which she used the n-word repeatedly in a tirade with a black caller.

The 30-year radio veteran made the announcement "not to do radio anymore" on CNN's "Larry King Live" one week after she used the n-word 11 times when a black female caller sought advice on handling racist comments from her white husband's friends and relatives.

"I want to be able to say what's on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry or some special-interest group deciding this is a time to silence a voice of dissent," Schlessinger told King.

On Aug. 11, Schlesinger apologized, saying "I was attempting to make a philosophical point, and I articulated the n-word all the way out -- more than one time. And that was wrong. I'll say it again -- that was wrong."

Between then and Tuesday, she told King she felt her First Amendment rights were "usurped by angry, hateful groups who don't want to debate -- they want to eliminate."

Schlessinger told King she plans to use her website as an outlet once she officially leaves her show at the end of the year.

"I decided it was time to move on to other venues where I could say my peace," Schlessinger said, "and not have to live in fear anymore."