Paula Deen

Deen was born Paula Ann Hiers in Albany, Georgia,{{cite web |publisher=TV Guide |title=Paula Deen Biography |access-date=January 21, 2012 |url=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/paula-deen/bio/195274 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222165224/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/paula-deen/bio/195274 |archive-date=December 22, 2011 |url-status=live }} the daughter of Corrie A. Hiers (née Paul) and Earl Wayne Hiers Sr.Stated on Who Do You Think You Are?, May 18, 2012 Deen was 19 when her father died unexpectedly aged 40, and her mother died four years later aged 44. Prior to her father's death, Paula, aged 18, married Jimmy Deen and in 1967 they had their first son James ("Jamie"), and in 1970 a second son Robert ("Bobby") was born. In her 20s, Deen suffered from depression and agoraphobia and began to spend more time preparing food for her family, as it was something she could do without leaving her house.{{Cite news | newspaper=The New York Times | author=Julia Moskin | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/28/dining/28deen.html | title=From Phobia To Fame: A Southern Cook's Memoir | date=February 28, 2007 | access-date=February 23, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201112729/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/28/dining/28deen.html | archive-date=February 1, 2017 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Deen's cooking style had been informed by her grandmother Irene Paul, who had taught her the art of Southern cooking{{cite web|title=Paula Deen – Southern Belle Charmer|url=http://www.pioneerchef.com/2014/07/03/paula-deen-southern-belle-charmer/|publisher=PioneerChef.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707050039/http://www.pioneerchef.com/2014/07/03/paula-deen-southern-belle-charmer/|archive-date=July 7, 2014}} that Deen described as "real farmhouse cooking, the kind that takes all day". In 1989, Deen and her husband Jimmy divorced.{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1508590/bio |title=Paula Deen – Biography |website=IMDb |access-date=July 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221065128/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1508590/bio |archive-date=February 21, 2017 |url-status=live}} Needing to support herself, her two sons, and her younger brother Earl ("Bubba"), Deen tried various enterprises before starting a catering service that she called The Bag Lady,{{cite web|url=http://www.ladyandsons.com/paula2.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526032804/http://www.ladyandsons.com/paula2.php |archive-date=2005-05-26 |title=Paula Deen's Story |publisher=The Lady & Sons |access-date=June 26, 2013}} making lunches for office workers, which her sons Jamie and Bobby delivered.{{cite web |url=http://www.success.com/articles/1219-paula-deen-true-grit |title=Paula Deen: True Grit | SUCCESS Magazine | What Achievers Read |publisher=Success.com |access-date=October 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115231926/http://www.success.com/articles/1219-paula-deen-true-grit |archive-date=November 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

File:Lady and Sons Restaurant owned by Paula Deen in Savannah, Georgia.jpg ]]

File:Lady & Sons restaurant, Savannah, GA, US.jpg

Following the success of Deen's home–based business she took over the restaurant in the Best Western, Abercorn Street, Savannah in 1991 and called it The Lady. In January 1996, after five years at the Best Western,{{cite web|url=http://ladyandsons.com/index.php/family/beginnings/|title=The Lady and Sons Restaurant – Our Beginnings|access-date=Apr 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407091657/http://ladyandsons.com/index.php/family/beginnings/|archive-date=April 7, 2014|url-status=live}} Deen, together with her sons Jamie and Bobby, opened their own restaurant, The Lady & Sons, in downtown Savannah, on West Congress Street. Within a few years, the restaurant moved to the old White Hardware building on Whitaker. Deen also opened four casino buffets; they were at Harrah's Casino Tunica in Mississippi, Harrah's Cherokee casino in North Carolina, Horseshoe Southern Indiana, and Harrah's Joliet in Illinois. They were rebranded in 2013 shortly after Deen was removed from the Food Network. In addition to these, Deen co-owned Uncle Bubba's Oyster House in Savannah, Georgia. The restaurant closed in April 2014{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/reports-paula-deen-restaurant-closes-23186187|title=Health News & Articles – Healthy Living – ABC News|author=ABC News|work=ABC News|access-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407093849/https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/reports-paula-deen-restaurant-closes-23186187|archive-date=April 7, 2014|url-status=live}}[http://www.pauladeen.com/restaurants Paula Deen Restaurants] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202211322/http://www.pauladeen.com/restaurants |date=February 2, 2010 }} Retrieved June 24, 2013. and reopened in June 2017 as Paula Deen's Creek House, until its permanent closure in January 2023.{{cite news|last1=Nussbaum|first1=Katie|title=Paula Deen, family plan new restaurant|url=http://www.blufftontoday.com/news/2017-04-06/paula-deen-family-plan-new-restaurant|work=Bluffington Today|date=April 6, 2017|access-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143125/http://www.blufftontoday.com/news/2017-04-06/paula-deen-family-plan-new-restaurant|archive-date=April 20, 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Christain |first=Ansley |date=2023-01-13 |title=Paula Deen eatery appears to have closed its doors for good; website down, phone number disconnected |url=https://www.wjcl.com/article/paula-deen-whitemarsh-island-restaurant-closed/42488824 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=WJCL |language=en}} In 2015, Deen opened Paula Deen's Family Kitchen in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee,{{cite web|url=http://www.knoxnews.com/business/sevier-county-launching-pad-for-paula-deens-comeback_73892357|title=Sevier County launching pad for Paula Deen's comeback – News Sentinel Story|author=Michael Williams|work=KNS|access-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709045457/http://www.knoxnews.com/business/sevier-county-launching-pad-for-paula-deens-comeback_73892357|archive-date=July 9, 2015|url-status=live}} and in June 2017, opened another in the city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at Broadway at the Beach.{{cite news|url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/business/article57036098.html|title=Plans submitted for new Paula Deen restaurant at Broadway at the Beach|last=Weaver|first=Emily|work=The Sun News|date=January 28, 2016|access-date=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129082750/http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/business/article57036098.html|archive-date=January 29, 2016|url-status=live}} In 2018, Deen opened two Paula Deen restaurants in Texas, but both closed the following year.{{cite web |title=Paula Deen's restaurant in North Texas unexpectedly closes |url=https://www.fox4news.com/news/paula-deens-restaurant-in-north-texas-unexpectedly-closes |website=fox4news.com |date=August 23, 2019 |publisher=Fox Television Stations |access-date=31 August 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Sarah |title=Paula Deen's Family Kitchen Abruptly Closes San Antonio Location |url=https://m.sacurrent.com/Flavor/archives/2019/07/30/paula-deens-family-kitchen-abruptly-closes-san-antonio-location |website=sacurrent.com |publisher=San Antonio Current |access-date=31 August 2020}} In 2020, Deen opened a Paula Deen's Family Kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee,{{Cite web|date=2020-10-27|title=Paula Deen's Country Kitchen opens at Opry Mills in Nashville|url=https://www.wate.com/news/paula-deens-country-kitchen-opens-at-opry-mills-in-nashville/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=WATE 6 On Your Side|language=en-US}} and in 2021, another in Panama City Beach.{{Cite web|last=Newsroom|first=WJHG|title=Paula Deen's Family Kitchen in Pier Park to reopen|url=https://www.wjhg.com/2021/01/22/paula-deens-family-kitchen-in-pier-park-to-reopen/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=www.wjhg.com|date=January 22, 2021 |language=en}}

In 1997, Deen self-published The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook and The Lady & Sons, Too! A Whole New Batch of Recipes from Savannah. Both cookbooks featured traditional Southern recipes.{{cite web |url=http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpies.html#chess |title=FAQs: pie & pastry |work=The Food Timeline |first=Lynne |last=Olver |author-link=Lynne Olver |access-date=June 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629013704/http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpies.html#chess |archive-date=June 29, 2013 |url-status=live }} She has since published two more, written with Martha Nesbit. Deen has appeared on QVC and on The Oprah Winfrey Show (first in 2002, twice in 2007 and once in 2010). Her life story is featured in Extraordinary Comebacks: 201 Inspiring Stories of Courage, Triumph, and Success (2007, Sourcebooks). In April 2007, Simon & Schuster published Deen's memoir, It Ain't All About the Cookin'. She launched a lifestyle magazine called Cooking with Paula Deen in November 2005,{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-133895840.html |title=Paula Deen Magazine to Debut |publisher=Business Wire |access-date=June 26, 2013}}{{dead link|date=February 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} which claimed a circulation of 7.5 million in March 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.cookingwithpauladeen.com/download/media_kit/media_kit09.pdf|title=Home – Paula Deen Magazine|work=Paula Deen Magazine|access-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509012854/http://www.cookingwithpauladeen.com/download/media_kit/media_kit09.pdf|archive-date=May 9, 2009|url-status=live}} As of 2021, the magazine is still being published monthly. In 2015, Paula Deen Ventures signed a distribution agreement with Hachette Client Services for future cookbooks.{{Cite web |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/book-deals/article/65748-paula-deen-inks-deal-with-hachette.html |title=Paula Deen Inks Deal with Hachette |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063726/https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/book-deals/article/65748-paula-deen-inks-deal-with-hachette.html |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.hachettebookgroup.biz/client-publishers/our-clients/ |title=Hachette - Our Clients |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911205034/https://www.hachettebookgroup.biz/client-publishers/our-clients/ |archive-date=September 11, 2017 |url-status=live }} In 2019, Deen released her latest cookbook, Paula Deen's Southern Baking.{{Cite web|date=2019-08-16|title=Paula Deen: Queen of Southern Cuisine Brings New Cookbook To NWA|url=https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2019/aug/16/paula-deen-queen-of-southern-cuisine-br/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Arkansas Online|language=en}}

Deen's relationship with Food Network began in 1999, when a friend introduced her to Gordon Elliott. Elliott took her through the city for a series of Doorknock Dinners episodes. Deen was invited to shoot a pilot named Afternoon Tea in early 2001. The network liked it, and eventually gave Deen her own show, Paula's Home Cooking, which premiered in November 2002. Paula's Home Cooking was originally taped in Millbrook, New York at Elliott's home,{{cite web |url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/09/08/Taste/Deen_of_the_kitchen.shtml |title=Taste: Deen of the kitchen |publisher=Sptimes.com |access-date=March 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125035850/http://www.sptimes.com/2004/09/08/Taste/Deen_of_the_kitchen.shtml |archive-date=January 25, 2012 |url-status=live }} and later, recorded at Deen's own home in Savannah, Georgia.{{cite web |author=Cowen, Diane |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/travel/3731009.html |title=Meet Savannah's Biggest Star |work=Houston Chronicle |date=March 19, 2006 |access-date=March 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817230743/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/travel/3731009.html |archive-date=August 17, 2010 |url-status=live }}

File:Paula Deen - Washington Nationals.jpg and the Washington Nationals on May 19, 2010, in Washington{{cite news|title=Paula Deen – Photo 13|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/paula-deen/13/|access-date=October 14, 2015|publisher=CBS News|date=May 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110142734/http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/paula-deen/13/|archive-date=January 10, 2016|url-status=live}}]]

Deen presented two more Food Network shows, Paula's Party and Paula's Best Dishes.{{cite web |url=http://www.cookingwithpauladeen.com/articles.php?id=34 |title=Articles |publisher=Cooking with Paula Deen |access-date=March 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421103328/http://www.cookingwithpauladeen.com/articles.php?id=34 |archive-date=April 21, 2012 }} Paula's Party premiered on the Food Network in 2006{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Aaron |title=New chapter in Paula Deen's comeback |url=https://money.cnn.com/2014/09/22/news/companies/paula-deen-comeback/index.html |website=cnn.com |date=September 22, 2014 |publisher=Cable News Network (CNN) |access-date=25 August 2020}} and Paula's Best Dishes debuted in June 2008.{{cite web |title=Paula's Best Dishes (TV Series 2008– ) |url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1312719/episodes/?season=1 |website=Imdb.com |publisher=IMDb, Inc. |access-date=25 August 2020}} A televised biography of Deen was aired as an episode of the Food Network's Chefography program, in March 2006.{{cite web |title=Chefography |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/chefography/episode-2-season-1/paula-deen/451396/ |website=tvguide.com |publisher=CBS Interactive, Inc. |access-date=25 August 2020}}

On June 21, 2013, due to a controversy regarding Deen's admission that she had used racial slurs in a social media post, The Food Network announced they would not renew her contract.{{cite web|title=Paula Deen Canned: Food Network 'Will Not Renew' Chef's Contract Amid Racism Row|url=http://www.mediaite.com/tv/paula-deen-canned-food-network-will-not-renew-chefs-contract-amid-racism-row/|publisher=Mediaite|access-date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622140416/http://www.mediaite.com/tv/paula-deen-canned-food-network-will-not-renew-chefs-contract-amid-racism-row/|archive-date=June 22, 2013|url-status=live}} In March 2015, Deen launched the Paula Deen Channel on Roku.{{cite web|title=Sevier County Launching Pad for Paula Deen's Comeback|url=http://www.knoxnews.com/business/sevier-county-launching-pad-for-paula-deens-comeback_73892357|access-date=March 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514142851/http://www.knoxnews.com/business/sevier-county-launching-pad-for-paula-deens-comeback_73892357|archive-date=May 14, 2015|url-status=live}} In September 2015, Deen was announced as one of the celebrities to compete on the 21st season of Dancing with the Stars. She was paired with professional dancer Louis van Amstel.{{cite web|url=http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/cast-announcement|title=Dancing with the Stars Season 21 Cast Announcement|work=ABC|date=September 2, 2015|access-date=September 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016133959/http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/cast-announcement|archive-date=October 16, 2015|url-status=live}} The couple was eliminated in the sixth week of competition, finishing in 9th place overall. In October 2016, Deen launched a syndicated television show, Positively Paula. Deen also appears on the home shopping network ShopHQ selling a variety of merchandise including kitchen appliances and food products.

On April 7, 2021, it was announced that Paula Deen is set to join MasterChef as a guest host for the 11th season premiering in June 2021. Deen, along with other well–known cooks, such as Emeril Lagasse, will join Gordon Ramsay to mentor 15 home cooks through a series of challenges.{{Cite web|last=Nemetz|first=Dave|date=2021-04-07|title=Paula Deen Joins MasterChef as One of Season 11's Culinary Legends|url=https://tvline.com/2021/04/07/paula-deen-masterchef-legends-season-11-fox/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=TVLine|language=en-US}}

In 2004, Deen married Michael Groover (born December 1956{{cite news|last=Libardi|first=Manuella|date=August 29, 2024|title=Strange Things About Paula Deen's Marriage To Michael Groover|url=https://www.nickiswift.com/1650176/paula-deen-marriage-husband-michael-groover-strange-things/|work=Nicki Swift|publisher=Static Media|access-date=April 16, 2025}}), a tugboat captain in the Port of Savannah, Georgia.{{cite web |last=Moore |first=Brett |url=http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/chefbiographie1/p/pauladeenbio.htm |title=Paula Deen biography |publisher=Gourmetfood.about.com |access-date=June 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514035753/http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/chefbiographie1/p/pauladeenbio.htm |archive-date=May 14, 2013 |url-status=live }} Deen has two children from a previous marriage, as does Groover. The wedding was featured in a Food Network show in 2004 and took place at Bethesda Academy in Savannah.[http://savannahnow.com/2000s-anniversary-stories/2010-03-25/paula-deen-our-famous-lady#.Tjm-FK417zw Paula Deen: Our famous 'Lady"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924183225/http://savannahnow.com/2000s-anniversary-stories/2010-03-25/paula-deen-our-famous-lady#.Tjm-FK417zw |date=September 24, 2012 }} Savannah Morning News, March 25, 2010

Paula is a supporter of Bethesda Academy, and asked Old Savannah Tours to donate $1 to the organization for each ticket purchased for the Paula Deen Store ticket sale.

Deen made her film debut in Elizabethtown (2005), starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst. She played the aunt of Bloom's character, and her cooking was featured. A Food Network special, Paula Goes Hollywood, aired in conjunction with the film's premiere.[https://web.archive.org/web/20080321014859/http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_sp/episode/0,,FOOD_9994_40480,00.html TV : Food Network Specials : Paula Goes to Hollywood : Food Network]

In June 2007, Deen won a Daytime Emmy Award (Outstanding Lifestyle Host) for Paula's Home Cooking.{{cite web |url=http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/daytime_34th_creative_winners.html |title=The Emmy Awards – Winners of The Creative Arts Entertainment emmy awards |publisher=Emmyonline.org |access-date=March 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618020250/http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/daytime_34th_creative_winners.html |archive-date=June 18, 2007 |url-status=live }} In October 2010, she was selected as the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade, and presided over the 2011 Rose Parade before the Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2011.[https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=11975149 Chef Paula Deen Named Rose Parade Grand Marshal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628202853/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=11975149 |date=June 28, 2011 }}, AP via ABC News, October 26, 2010

Deen was criticized for her use of sugar by Christina Pirello, a "natural food" advocate and television chef.{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-pirello/how-can-paula-deen-sleep_b_528975.html|title=How Can Paula Deen Sleep at Night?|work=The Huffington Post|first=Christina|last=Pirello|date=November 17, 2011|access-date=December 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413143027/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-pirello/how-can-paula-deen-sleep_b_528975.html|archive-date=April 13, 2010|url-status=live}} Cookbook for the Lunch-Box Set, a cookbook aimed at children, was criticized by Barbara Walters, who said of the book, "You tell kids to have cheesecake for breakfast. You tell them to have chocolate cake and meatloaf for lunch. And french fries. Doesn't it bother you that you're adding to this?" Deen replied, "All things in moderation."{{cite web|url=http://www.parentdish.com/2009/09/24/barbara-walters-says-paula-deen-makes-kids-fat/|title=Barbara Walters Says Paula Deen Makes Kids Fat|publisher=Parent Dish|access-date=December 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101060309/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/09/24/barbara-walters-says-paula-deen-makes-kids-fat|archive-date=January 1, 2011|url-status=live}} Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain commented in 2011 that he "would think twice before telling an already obese nation that it's OK to eat food that is killing us".{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/anthony-bourdain-criticizes-paula-deen-again-after-diabetes-announcement/|work=CBS News|title=Anthony Bourdain criticizes Paula Deen (again) after diabetes announcement|author=Derschowitz, Jessica|date=Jan 18, 2012|access-date=Apr 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407101603/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/anthony-bourdain-criticizes-paula-deen-again-after-diabetes-announcement/|archive-date=April 7, 2014|url-status=live}}

On January 17, 2012, Deen announced that she had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes three years before. Deen became a paid spokesperson for the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which produces drugs for the disease.{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/paula-deen-confirms-type-diabetes-teams-novo-nordisk/story?id=15378730#.UchyXtK17io|title=Paula Deen Confirms Type 2 Diabetes; Teams Up With Novo Nordisk|publisher=ABC News|author=Mikaela Conley|date=January 17, 2012|access-date=June 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702110919/https://abcnews.go.com/Health/paula-deen-confirms-type-diabetes-teams-novo-nordisk/story?id=15378730#.UchyXtK17io|archive-date=July 2, 2013|url-status=live}}

In June 2013, Deen was sued by Lisa Jackson for racial and sexual discrimination.{{cite news |url=http://www.today.com/food/paula-deen-said-she-used-slur-doesnt-tolerate-hate-6C10388323 |title=Paula Deen said she used slur but doesn't tolerate hate |work=Today |date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928030734/http://www.today.com/food/paula-deen-said-she-used-slur-doesnt-tolerate-hate-6C10388323 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} Jackson said that Deen made derogatory remarks regarding African Americans.{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/25/paula-deen-racism-claim-lacks-standing-georgia-lawyer-says-tell-us_n_3496183.html |title=Paula Deen Racism Claim 'Lacks Standing', Because Plaintiff Is White, Georgia Lawyer Says: Do You Agree? |work=The Huffington Post |date=June 25, 2013 |access-date=2013-06-28 |first=Jessica |last=Anderson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628041708/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/25/paula-deen-racism-claim-lacks-standing-georgia-lawyer-says-tell-us_n_3496183.html |archive-date=June 28, 2013 |url-status=live }} Jackson also said that Deen mused about wedding plans for her brother with a "true Southern plantation-style theme" with black male servers but rejected the plans "because the media would be on me about that". In early August 2013, Judge William Moore threw out the suit's race-discrimination claims, ruling Jackson, who is white, had no standing to sue over what the plaintiff said was poor treatment of black workers; however, Judge Moore let Jackson's claims of sexual discrimination stand. Roughly two weeks later, lawyers reached a dismissal deal to drop the lawsuit, prompting some to surmise that a settlement had been reached out of court, though details of the dismissal deal have not been made public.{{cite news|last=Blinder|first=Alan|title=Racial Bias Claim Dismissed for Paula Deen|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/13/us/racial-bias-claim-dismissed-for-paula-deen.html?_r=0|access-date=August 12, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816142532/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/13/us/racial-bias-claim-dismissed-for-paula-deen.html?_r=0|archive-date=August 16, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Duke|first=Alan|title=Judge tosses race discrimination charge against Paula Deen|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/12/showbiz/paula-deen-lawsuit|publisher=[CNN]|access-date=August 12, 2013|date=August 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813084046/http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/12/showbiz/paula-deen-lawsuit|archive-date=August 13, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Puente|first=Maria|title=Experts: Paula Deen is done despite legal win|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/08/12/paula-deen-legal-woes-diminish-but-career-damage-is-done/2645967/|access-date=August 12, 2013|newspaper=USA Today|date=August 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904201700/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/08/12/paula-deen-legal-woes-diminish-but-career-damage-is-done/2645967/|archive-date=September 4, 2017|url-status=live}}

The suit originally brought little fanfare with it; however Deen's eventual deposition created a firestorm in the press. Deen stated in her deposition that she had "of course" used the "N-word" at times.{{cite news|last=Dobuzinskis|first=Alex|title=UPDATE 2-Food Network to drop Paula Deen amid racial slur controversy|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-pauladeen-slur-idUSL2N0EX1GD20130621?feedType=RSS&feedName=everything&virtualBrandChannel=11563|access-date=June 24, 2013|publisher=Reuters|date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115054213/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/21/usa-pauladeen-slur-idUSL2N0EX1GD20130621?feedType=RSS&feedName=everything&virtualBrandChannel=11563|archive-date=January 15, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Duke |first=Alan |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/showbiz/paula-deen-racial-slur |title=Celeb chef Paula Deen admits using 'N word' |publisher=CNN |date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625071340/http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/showbiz/paula-deen-racial-slur |archive-date=June 25, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://now.msn.com/is-paula-deen-racist-national-enquirer-reports-shocking-admissions |title=Is Paula Deen racist? National Enquirer reports shocking admissions |publisher=MSN |access-date=June 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626075646/http://now.msn.com/is-paula-deen-racist-national-enquirer-reports-shocking-admissions |archive-date=June 26, 2013 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/384860/71/Paula-Deen-I-do-not-condone-use-of-n-word- |title=Paula Deen hit with 'racist' tag following 'National Enquirer' story |publisher=KSDK |date=June 19, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627195435/http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/384860/71/Paula-Deen-I-do-not-condone-use-of-n-word- |archive-date=June 27, 2013 }}{{cite news |last=Collins |first=Scott |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-report-paula-deen-admits-using-nword-making-racist-jokes-20130619,0,2608659.story |title=Report: Paula Deen admits using N-word, telling racist jokes |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 19, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625173929/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-report-paula-deen-admits-using-nword-making-racist-jokes-20130619,0,2608659.story |archive-date=June 25, 2013 |url-status=live }} Specifically, she recalled telling her husband about an incident "when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head. ... I didn't feel real favorable towards him."{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2013/06/entertainment/deen-deposition/index.html |title=Document: Transcript of Paula Deen's testimony |publisher=CNN |date=May 17, 2013 |access-date=June 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627043713/http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2013/06/entertainment/deen-deposition/index.html |archive-date=June 27, 2013 |url-status=live }} Asked if she had used the word since then, she said: "I'm sure I have, but it's been a very long time ... maybe in repeating something that was said to me ... probably a conversation between blacks. I don't – I don't know. But that's just not a word that we use as time has gone on. Things have changed since the '60s in the south."

In the time between the filing of the suit and the suit being dismissed, Deen had cookery programs, publishing deals and endorsement contracts cancelled by Food Network,Lynch, Rene (June 21, 2013). [http://www.latimes.com/features/food/dailydish/la-dd-paula-deen-fired-by-food-network-over-use-of-the-nword-20130621,0,4095007.story "Paula Deen fired by Food Network over use of racial epithet"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623051003/http://www.latimes.com/features/food/dailydish/la-dd-paula-deen-fired-by-food-network-over-use-of-the-nword-20130621,0,4095007.story |date=June 23, 2013 }}. Los Angeles Times. Smithfield Foods,[http://www.clarionledger.com/viewart/20130624/NEWS03/130624034/Paula-Deen-dropped-Smithfield-Foods-spokeswoman- Paula Deen dropped as Smithfield Foods spokeswoman]. Clarion-Ledger. June 24, 2013. Retrieved June 24, 2013. Walmart,{{cite news|title=Wal-Mart ends relationship with Paula Deen|url=https://news.yahoo.com/wal-mart-ends-relationship-paula-193152834.html|publisher=Yahoo! News|access-date=June 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108225347/http://news.yahoo.com/wal-mart-ends-relationship-paula-193152834.html|archive-date=January 8, 2014|url-status=live}} Target, QVC,{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/06/25/target-drops-paula-deen/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629100140/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/06/25/target-drops-paula-deen/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2013|title=Target, QVC latest companies to drop Paula Deen products|publisher=Fox News|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=June 27, 2013}} Caesars Entertainment,{{cite news|last=Tepper|first=Rachel|title=Paula Deen Dropped By Caesars Entertainment, Loses Four Casino Buffets|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/26/paula-deen-caesars-entertainment_n_3503411.html|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=June 26, 2013|date=June 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629035916/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/26/paula-deen-caesars-entertainment_n_3503411.html|archive-date=June 29, 2013|url-status=live}} Novo Nordisk,{{cite news|title=Paula Deen Dumped By Home Depot And Diabetes Drug Company Novo Nordisk As Target, Sears, QVC Mull Next Move|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2013/06/27/paula-deen-dumped-by-home-depot-and-diabetes-drug-company-novo-nordisk-as-target-sears-qvc-mull-next-move/|work=Forbes|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=June 27, 2013|first=Clare|last=O'Connor|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629045409/http://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2013/06/27/paula-deen-dumped-by-home-depot-and-diabetes-drug-company-novo-nordisk-as-target-sears-qvc-mull-next-move/|archive-date=June 29, 2013|url-status=live}} J.C. Penney,[http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2013/06/j-c-penney-is-the-latest-retailer-to-end-its-relationship-with-paula-deen.html/ Maria Halkias, J.C. Penney is the latest retailer to end its relationship with Paula Deen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628213734/http://bizbeatblog.dallasnews.com/2013/06/j-c-penney-is-the-latest-retailer-to-end-its-relationship-with-paula-deen.html/ |date=June 28, 2013 }}, Dallas Morning News, June 28, 2013 Sears/ Kmart,{{cite news|title=Sears, Kmart latest retailers to drop Paula Deen products|url=http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/06/28/sears-drops-paula-deen/#ixzz2XX0t9V7d|publisher=Fox News|date=June 28, 2013|access-date=June 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630005224/http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/06/28/sears-drops-paula-deen/#ixzz2XX0t9V7d|archive-date=June 30, 2013|url-status=dead}} and her then-publisher Ballantine Books;{{cite news|title=Paula Deen Cookbook Dropped By Publisher|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=196699378&ft=1&f=|publisher=NPR|access-date=June 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707100533/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=196699378&ft=1&f=|archive-date=July 7, 2013|url-status=dead}} however, several companies have expressed their intent to continue their endorsement deals with Deen.[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/27/paula-deen-controversy_n_3511818.html Companies Standing With Deen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630213425/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/27/paula-deen-controversy_n_3511818.html |date=June 30, 2013 }}, The Huffington Post, June 27, 2013 During the same time, sales of Deen's cookbooks soared.{{cite news|last=Chasmar|first=Jessica|title=Paula Deen cookbooks surge to top spots on Amazon best sellers|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jun/27/paula-deen-cookbooks-surge-top-spots-amazon-best-s/|work=The Washington Times|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=June 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702093652/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jun/27/paula-deen-cookbooks-surge-top-spots-amazon-best-s/|archive-date=July 2, 2013|url-status=live}} Former US President Jimmy Carter urged that Deen be forgiven, stating, "I think she has been punished, perhaps overly severely, for her honesty in admitting it and for the use of the word in the distant past. She's apologized profusely."[http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/28/us/georgia-carter-deen/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 Joe Sterling, Carter: Paula Deen should be forgiven] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702064034/http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/28/us/georgia-carter-deen/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 |date=July 2, 2013 }}, CNN, June 29, 2013

In July 2015, Deen faced controversy over a Halloween picture from 2011 in which she was dressed as Lucy Ricardo (a character played by Lucille Ball) while her son Bobby was dressed as Lucy's Cuban husband Ricky Ricardo, played by Cuban-American Desi Arnaz, in skin-darkening makeup ("brownface"), along with Gordon Elliott, who was not in costume.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/bal-paula-deen-distances-herself-from-posted-i-love-lucy-photo-20150708-story.html|title=Paula Deen distances herself from posted 'I Love Lucy' photo|last=Elber|first=Lynn|date=July 8, 2015|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925180731/http://www.chicagotribune.com/bal-paula-deen-distances-herself-from-posted-i-love-lucy-photo-20150708-story.html|archive-date=September 25, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-paula-deen-racist-pic-twitter-20150707-htmlstory.html|title=Paula Deen posts brownface pic, Twitter is pissed|last=Lawanson|first=Akeem|date=July 7, 2015|work=Chicago Tribune}} The photo was taken from a holiday-themed episode of her former Food Network show Paula's Best Dishes with a tweet mimicking Arnaz's accented English on the show.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/09/nytnow/paula-deen-faces-backlash-over-i-love-lucy-posting.html|title=Paula Deen Faces Backlash Over 'I Love Lucy' Posting|last=Rogers|first=Katie|date=July 8, 2015|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 27, 2019}} The material was taken down quickly.

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{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Commons category|Paula Deen}}

• {{Official website|http://www.pauladeen.com}}
• [http://www.ladyandsons.com/ The Lady & Sons restaurant]
• [http://www.pauladeenmagazine.com/ Cooking with Paula Deen magazine]
• {{IMDb name|1508590}}
• {{TV Guide person|195274}}
• [http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20061426,00.html Paula Deen ... Answers Your Questions] Archive at People.com

{{Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lifestyle/Culinary Show Host}}

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