Food Network has dropped the controversial celebrity chef Paula Deen from its programming lineup in the wake of a deposition that recently surfaced in which she is quoted expressing racist sentiments and using the “N” word.
Food Network issued a statement this afternoon: “Food Network will not renew Paula Deen’s contract when it expires at the end of this month.”
Deen made headlines when the National Enquirer got its hands on a videotaped deposition she gave in connection with a lawsuit filed against her last month. The former manager of a pair of restaurants Deen co-owned with her brother in Savannah, Ga., alleged they had engaged in acts of violence, discrimination and racism. She reportedly suggested in the deposition that black staffers at her restaurant dress up as slaves for a wedding her company was catering.
Firing also arrives on the heels of Deen canceling an appearance on “Today” this morning, one she’d scheduled in order to address controversy surrounding her use of racial slurs. After nixing the interview with Matt Lauer last minute, Deen then posted an edited video apology online, only to take the YouTube video down and post a second version of the apology shortly thereafter.
