Paula Deen Racist Comments, Use Of N-Word Allegedly Caught On Video [UPDATED]
The Huffington Post | By Rachel Tepper Posted: 06/19/2013 3:23 pm EDT | Updated: 06/21/2013 9:01 am EDT
Paula Deen is no stranger to controversy, but new allegations of racism leveled against the Southern chef may shock even those who have followed her troubles most closely.
The National Enquirer claims to have acquired a video of a deposition in which Deen admits to using the N-word and making racist and anti-semitic jokes. She also allegedly describes her interest in hiring black waiters dressed to look like "slaves" at a wedding.
The deposition, which was reportedly held on May 17, took place as part of a court case brought forth by former Paula Deen Enterprises employee Lisa Jackson against Deen and her brother, Earl “Bubba” Hiers. Jackson alleges several instances of sexual and racial workplace discrimination.
Neither the video of the deposition or The National Enquirer's story are available on the web, but Radar Online posted some of the story's most disturbing highlights:
While The National Enquirer has a checkered history when it comes to printing the truth, it's worth noting that the tabloid was first to break the story that Deen suffered from type II diabetes, and its early reporting on the John Edwards affair turned the story into a national scandal.
A representative for Deen strongly refutes The National Enquirer's allegations, telling Entertainment Tonight that, “Contrary to media reports, Ms. Deen does not condone or find the use of racial epithets acceptable. She is looking forward to her day in court.”
We'll be following this story closely to see if these allegations pan out. If they do, we imagine Paula Deen will have some explaining to do.
UPDATE 6/19, 3:40 P.M.: The Huffington Post has obtained a transcript of the deposition in question. The quotes below are pulled directly from it.
On using the N-word:
On her brother's behavior:
On telling jokes that target African Americans, Jews, gays and other groups:
On planning a Southern plantation-style wedding:
Read the transcript of the entire deposition below:
Paula Deen Deposition Testimony
UPDATE 6/20, 12:40 P.M.: Food Network has released a statement saying that the channel "does not tolerate any form of discrimination and is a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion. We will continue to monitor the situation."
UPDATE 6/20, 12:50 P.M.: In a statement, Paula Deen Enterprises defends Deen:
UPDATE 6/21, 8:50 A.M.: Deen pulled out of a scheduled Friday morning appearance on the "Today" show, where she was supposed to address the current scandal.
Host Matt Lauer told viewers that he had spoken with Deen the day before to arrange the interview, but that one of her representatives informed him, shortly before the show's airtime on Friday, she would not be attending.
Lauer and "Today" show personality Al Roker have both tweeted about the incident:
