Talk Radio Network syndicated radio personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger says she’s quitting her radio show a week after saying the N-word several times in an on-air conversation with a caller.  Schlessinger said on “Larry King Live” Tuesday that she “made the decision not to do radio anymore” because she wanted to regain her First Amendment rights and say what’s on her mind.

The controversy began when Schlessinger used the N-word 11 times in five minutes during a call August 10 with an African-American caller who was seeking advice on how to deal with racist comments from her white husband’s friends and relatives. The conversation evolved into a discussion on whether it’s appropriate to use the word ever, with Schlessinger arguing it’s used on HBO and by black comedians.  She later issued an on-air apology and said on her website that she was wrong in using the word for what she called an attempt to make a “philosophical point.”

Schlessinger also emphasized on the King show that she is not retiring but “stepping  away” from the radio show to concentrate on writing and public speaking.  Using the opportunity to promote her other ventures she said;  “I would like to make it clear that I am not retiring, I’m too young for that,  and I’m not quitting.  I will be stronger and freer to say my mind through my books, my YOUTUBE channel, my blog and my website.  And I’ll be on TV more, because I’ll have the freedom to speak my mind.”