What Really Happened To Paula Deen?
Published -
- October 8, 2018
- 1:00 pm
Not too long ago, Paula Deen was a relatively harmless matron of Southern cooking. But in 2013, everything changed.
Accused of racism, her name became a running joke in the industry, and even her biggest fans were so horrified that they walked away. Though it appeared that she had finally hung up her apron in shame, Deen was instead working behind the scenes to bring her career back from the brink. Just what’s gone down for the chef since her fall from grace? Here’s what really happened to Paula Deen…
Fall from grace | 0:26
Successful party host | 1:31
Unloading her mansion | 2:03
Back in business | 2:43
She’s Dancing With the Stars | 3:22
Her signature clothing line | 4:05
Getting into the game | 5:10
Focusing on her furry friends | 5:55
Trouble in dog poop paradise? | 6:50
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud | 7:45
Returning to the small screen | 8:15
How did Paula Deen attempt to rebuild her career after the scandal?
Paula Deen is a television personality who was once widely known for her Southern cooking and vibrant personality. However, she made headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2013 when she admitted to using the ‘N-word’ and making derogatory racial remarks in the past.
The revelation of Paula Deen’s past remarks caused a media frenzy and led to an immediate backlash from her fans and the general public. Many people were shocked and horrified at her past behaviour, and some major sponsors and business partners dropped her like a hot potato.
Deen received a severe blow to her image and reputation that had taken her years to build. In the aftermath of the scandal, many people wondered what could have happened to such a beloved personality to cause her to fall so far from grace?
The story goes back to 2013 when Lisa Jackson, a former manager of Deen’s restaurant, lodged a lawsuit against her and her brother Earl ‘Bubba’ Hiers. Jackson accused Deen and Hiers of verbal and physical violence, racial slurs, and sexual harassment against her.
During a deposition for the lawsuit, Deen admitted to using the N-word in the past but claimed it was because of her upbringing in the South, where such language and views were perfectly acceptable. After the deposition, a transcript of Deen’s testimony was made public, leading to widespread criticism, backlash and boycotts.
Many people felt that Deen’s comments were out of touch with modern-day culture and unacceptable in today’s society. In response to the public outcry, the Food Network, which was Deen’s primary employer, decided not to renew her contract. Many other corporate sponsors, such as Target and Walmart, also severed their ties with her.
Deen was quick to issue apologies for her past behaviour and comments, but damage was already done. Her reputation had been tarnished, and it would take her years to rebuild it. Her cookbook sales plummeted, and her restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, closed its doors after a long-standing run.
Despite the severity of the scandal, Deen has made attempts to revitalize her career in recent years. She has launched a new line of products and opened smaller, more casual dining spaces that have been well received by customers.
Nevertheless, Paula Deen’s fall from grace serves as a reminder that actions have consequences. No amount of success or fame can protect one’s reputation when they have behaved in an unacceptable manner. It is important to take responsibility for our actions, acknowledge if we have made mistakes, and make amends. Only then can we hope for redemption in the public’s eyes.
