What Happened to Paula Deen After Racial Slur Scandal

I was once a beloved figure on the Food Network, with my Southern grandma-style cooking doused in butter and my sweet-salty demeanor striking a chord.

Until, that is, her own words came back to bite her.

Over the span of a week, Paula Deen was shunned or considered socially unacceptable following the public revelation in June 2013 that she had previously used a racial slur as mentioned in her deposition.

Deen, after creating two heartfelt apology videos, found herself in a difficult situation as the Food Network decided to sever ties with her. As a result, retailers such as Walmart and Target removed her merchandise from their stores, and her publisher chose to cancel the upcoming release of her latest book.

And, needless to say, Twitter (now X) feasted on the controversy.

Although some individuals hadn’t enjoyed her offerings prior to the controversy, and others found themselves losing interest afterwards, many loyal supporters continued to crave more and came to her defense.

A Look Back: The Resurgence of Paula Deen

This new documentary, set to debut on September 6 at the Toronto International Film Festival, offers an in-depth exploration of Paula Deen’s journey from stardom, her sudden decline, and her subsequent return, although with a reduced sphere of influence compared to her initial success.

Deen, aged 78, expressed on an August 20th segment of ‘Fox & Friends’ that she and her sons, Jamie Deen (58) and Bobby Deen (55), initially felt somewhat hesitant about the concept of a documentary re-exploring the scandal. However, they eventually consented to be involved in the project.

In the year 2013, Deen expressed that he felt as though he was on the verge of death due to a broken heart. However, with approximately 5 to 6 million people offering him comfort and support via his Facebook account, he confessed that without their compassion, he wouldn’t have made it through.

Here’s what to know about the controversy chronicled in Canceled: The Paula Deen Story:

Why was Paula Deen being deposed?

In the year 2012, Deen and her sibling, Bubba Hiers, faced charges of sexual harassment and racial discrimination from a previous manager at their seafood restaurant, Uncle Bubba’s Seafood and Oyster House, named Lisa Jackson.

In her complaint, Jackson, who is white, further asserted that Deen and Hiers had made disparaging remarks regarding the restaurant’s Black staff members, implying racial bias.

On May 17, 2013, Deen sat for a video deposition in the civil case.

What did Paula Deen say that caused backlash?

During a deposition that became public on June 19, 2013, Deen was questioned about whether she had ever employed a racial slur.

In her court filing, Deen indicated a affirmative response, saying “indeed” or “certainly”, and then mentioned that it had been quite some time since the events in question.

In her own words, as reported by NBC News, she stated, “However, it’s not a term we typically use nowadays. The times have certainly changed in the South since the ’60s. My children and my brother find it offensive when this word is used in any hurtful or disrespectful context. And I concur.

In my recent complaint, I assert that Deen suggested our wedding embody a traditional Southern plantation aesthetic, and made an offensive remark regarding the potential attire of our staff, evoking imagery reminiscent of old films where performers would dance as if they were part of a bygone era.

In her testimony, Deen recollected stating that the entire waiting staff in the Tennessee restaurant consisted of middle-aged African American gentlemen, all dressed in stylish white jackets adorned with black ties.

According to the transcript, Denise clarified that her statement about loving their appearance was not intended as an insult. Moreover, during the deposition, she asserted that she did not employ a derogatory term to refer to the waiters, explaining that they were not individuals who fit such a description.

During her testimony, Deen added that she didn’t intervene when overhearing racial jokes in the restaurant, as she wasn’t aware of what certain groups might consider offensive.

What did Paula Deen say after admitting to past racist language?

On June 21, Deen issued his initial video apology, expressing, “I’ve certainly made many errors throughout this journey. I humbly ask for your forgiveness, my dear children, team, fans, partners – please forgive me for my past mistakes.

On that very same day, it was disclosed that Food Network would not be extending Deen’s contract, ending a partnership spanning over ten years with the host.

For approximately seven days, QVC joined other companies in stating that they didn’t have any imminent intentions for Deen to reappear on their network. During this time, Walmart, Target, J.C. Penny, Sears, and additional retailers declared they would discontinue selling her cookware and related merchandise.

During an interview with Today on June 26, Deen expressed that she was left in a state of surprise and dismay due to the subsequent criticism she faced.

She stated that she was present today to make herself known to others. Those who have collaborated with her understand the kind of person she is.

Directly addressing the camera, she boldly stated, “If anyone here hasn’t uttered a word they regret, I invite you to hurl a stone at me with all your might, striking me fatally…” or simply, “If you’ve never wished you could take back something you said, then throw a hard stone at me as if it were your chance to make amends.

Who came to Paula Deen’s defense at the time of the scandal?

Alongside over half a million supporters who endorsed the “We Stand with Paula Deen” Facebook page, Paula Deen’s sons – inheritors of her late former husband Jimmy Deen – voiced their concern about how she was being treated. Bobby particularly praised his mother, describing her as one of the kindest, most empathetic people you could ever encounter.

In that CNN interview, he expressed his dismay, stating that it started as blackmail and has evolved into a vicious attack on someone’s reputation.

As a dedicated follower, I’d like to share my perspective on Paula Deen’s recent statement, as expressed by Michael Twitty, a renowned black culinary historian. While his post on Afroculinaria didn’t necessarily defend Deen, it did highlight the deeper issue at hand. He expressed frustration not so much with her past remarks, but with the systemic racism that persists in the world of Southern food and public discourse, stating, “It’s this entrenched racial bias within our culture that truly angers me.

In the documentary titled “Canceled: The Paula Deen Story“, Twitty expresses his opinion by saying, during recorded interviews, “I think it was mainly white people who ended Paula Deen’s career. We didn’t do it.

What happened to the lawsuit Lisa Jackson filed against Paula Deen?

In simpler terms, the judge didn’t find Jackson’s allegations of racial discrimination to be valid. After this, Jackson and Deen agreed on a private agreement in August without either party receiving compensation for legal costs or fees, as stated in a court document that was obtained by the Associated Press.

In his statement at the time, Jackson expressed that he believed his concerns about the workplace environment were reaching Paula Deen, but he discovered during this issue that it wasn’t true. The Paula Deen Jackson has known for over eight years is a woman who demonstrates compassion and kindness, and she will not accept any form of discrimination or racism directed towards anyone.

Where is Paula Deen now?

In more simplified language, Paula Deen once again became prominent, establishing a personal digital network and participating in the 2015 season of “Dancing With the Stars.” She re-entered television with her 2016 talk show called “Positively Paula,” which was syndicated. Since then, she has been on “MasterChef” and published several cookbooks (most recently, “Love and Best Dishes” in 2023). Additionally, her lifestyle magazine titled “Cooking With Paula Deen” continues to be available.

As a seasoned lifestyle connoisseur, I am proud to share that since my union with my beloved partner Michael Groover in 2004, we’ve continued our culinary journey alongside Jamie and Bobby, maintaining our cherished restaurants. However, I recently made the difficult decision to close two of our establishments in Savannah, Georgia – The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box – as of August 1st. Despite this change, four vibrant locations of Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen continue to delight patrons with our delectable offerings.

In his conversation with People prior to the film’s release, director Billy Corben expressed anticipation for viewers to gain a more complex understanding of Chef Paula Deen, as opposed to the perception of her as a “deranged racist,” which some people hold.

He mentioned, “I believe most people form a mental image of her when they think about her. However, what I wish is for them to have a well-informed perspective, which I feel wasn’t commonplace in 2013.

See more TV shows canceled over the years after controversy involving their stars:

The show “Roseanne” has been taken off TV due to its lead actor’s actions. Roseanne Barr made a tweet comparing Valerie Jarrett to an ape, later apologizing and stating it was a joke. However, ABC decided to end the series after only one new season following this incident.

The TV network abruptly cancelled Shawty Lo’s reality show, featuring him and his 11 kids from 10 different mothers, prior to its broadcast due to public backlash.

A television program similar to Survivor, but featuring children instead, might initially seem like an engaging and successful venture. However, it faced criticism for potentially endangering the wellbeing of its participants, ultimately leading to its cancellation by CBS.

MTV cancelled their reality show, “Buckwild,” after Shain Gandee’s tragic death due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The siblings, identified as Jason and David Benham, were all set to shine as HGTV’s rising twin sensations…but their plans came crashing down when the network discovered their history of being outspoken against LGBTQ rights.

You might not recall, but there was a reality TV show featuring CeeLo Green back in 2014. Unfortunately, it only ran for six episodes before getting canceled. The termination of the show came after some questionable comments about rape made by the singer on Twitter, and he also found himself embroiled in legal issues at the time.

Starring Dustin Hoffman, this HBO drama held all the ingredients for a successful series. Regrettably, it was taken off the air in 2012 due to a tragic incident – three horses passed away during filming.

In 2013, the Food Network decided to part ways with Paula Deen after she publicly admitted using a racially offensive term.

Over the course of my journey, I’ve been warmly welcomed into numerous homes nationwide, where I’ve heard heartfelt and intimate stories shared with me. This experience wouldn’t have been feasible without The Food Network. Once again, thank you and here’s wishing you all delicious meals ahead!” – Deen, in a statement.

During its initial broadcast, The Cosby Show was not canceled. However, starting in 2014, most networks stopped airing reruns due to widespread rape accusations against Bill Cosby that received significant media attention. BounceTV began airing the show again in 2018.

7th Heaven continued airing throughout its initial broadcast without interruption, but reruns ceased following accusations that the show’s main actor, Stephen Collins, admitted to molesting underage girls. Later on, UP TV reintroduced selected episodes, only to withdraw them once more.

2015 saw TLC deciding to end the reality show “19 Kids and Counting,” which chronicled the lives of the Duggar family, following accusations of inappropriate behavior concerning Josh Duggar.

In a long announcement, TLC acknowledged that the recent focus on the Duggars has ignited a crucial and essential discussion about safeguarding children. They have collaborated with organizations advocating for victims’ rights, such as RAINN and Darkness to Light, to utilize this situation to address child sexual abuse. Alongside these groups and the Duggar family, TLC produced a one-hour documentary.

Nonetheless, the Duggars didn’t stay away from TLC for too long. Beginning in 2015, a fresh series titled Counting On chronicled the lives of the siblings (excluding Josh) until 2021.

A program similar to TLC’s Toddlers and Tiaras called Here Comes Honey Boo Boo showcased the life of Alana Thompson, her mother June Shannon (known as Mama June), her father Mike “Sugar Bear” Thompson, and her three siblings. This series was a popular choice for the network, but it came to an end in 2014 when allegations emerged that Mama June was involved with a convicted child molester, leading TLC to cancel the show.

The TV network TLC has terminated the show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” and all related activities, effective straight away. The network’s statement emphasized that their primary concern is the well-being and health of the exceptional kids involved in the series. TLC remains devoted to ensuring the children’s continued comfort and wellness.

Back in 2017, I couldn’t help but share the screen with folks on “Marriage Boot Camp,” but that was just a warm-up for my incredible journey. My very own TV show, “Mama June: From Not to Hot,” gave me the chance to document my weight loss transformation and the amazing story of my family. What an unforgettable ride it’s been!

2025-09-06 13:17