Paula Deen, queen of Southern Cooking has been dropped by the Food Network after a bizarre series of events, in which she admitted using racial epithets, using slurs against gays, and that she condoned pornography and racist jokes in the workplace. According to the NY Times, She was scheduled to appear on the “Today” show to defend her actions, but canceled at the last minute, leaving host Matt Lauer steaming. Paula then posted two odd online videos, tearfully begging her audience to forgive her for using racist language. “I want to apologize to everybody for the wrong that I’ve done. I want to learn and grow from this. Inappropriate and hurtful language is totally, totally unacceptable” (since removed from the service). Later this afternoon she posted a second video in which she says “The pain has been tremendous that I have caused to myself and to others”.
This is not the first controversy for Paula. Last year she was roundly criticized for continuing to push her sugar laden cooking after keeping secret her diagnosis of diabetes.
The Food Network stated that Paula’s contract would not be renewed when it expires this month.
This will not be a big loss for the food community. I hate to think she’d be causing herself more pain.
Tim Roth says
I am only surprised that it took this long!