In addition to her Food Network programs, Paula Deen operated multiple restaurants in Georgia. A former manager of one sued Deen for discrimination in 2013, alleging that racially insensitive remarks were the norm. During her deposition, Deen admitted to using the N-word as well as making other racially charged statements. Food Network opted to not renew Deen’s contract, companies with whom Deen had endorsement deals ended their associations, and the cook went on NBC’s “Today” to perform damage control.
“I believe that every creature on this earth, every one of God’s creatures, was created equal. No matter who you choose to go to bed at night with, no matter what church you go to pray, I believe that everyone should be treated equal. And that’s the way I was raised and that’s the way I live my life,” Deen said, explaining that to the best of her recollection, and contrary to what she’d stated under oath, she’d really only used the N-word once, 30 years prior and during an armed robbery attempt.
Not only did she never fully apologize, Deen then claimed that she’d also been victimized by insensitive language. “It’s very distressing for me to go into my kitchens and hear what these young people are calling each other,” Deen said. “It’s very distressing for me. I think for this problem to be worked on, that these young people are gonna have to take control and start showing respect for each other.”
