Paula Deen Throughout the Years
After admitting to using the N-word and to telling what could be perceived as racist jokes, Paula Deen received much backlash and criticism from the public. Since the scandal, the celeb chef has been dropped from many of her partners and supporters including the Food Network, who she has been with since 1999. Take a look back at her best moments and craziest quotes.
2011 South Beach Wine and Food Festival
Yee-haw! Paula Deen rides Robert Irvine during the 2011 South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Paula Deen
In her video deposition as part of a $1.2 million lawsuit filed against her by a former employee, the Food Network star confessed to using the N-word, but added, "It's been a very long time."
Is it Racist?
Deen admitted to asking black employees to dress up as slaves for an Antebellum-themed wedding, saying she got the idea from a restaurant she once went to where the waiters were "middle-aged black men, and they had on beautiful black jackets with a black bow tie...I would say they were slaves." Not the best idea we've ever heard of.
Butter Ya'll
This photo from a Food Network taping speaks for itself.
Family Support
The Deen boys have publically defended their mother in wake of the N-word scandal. "Our mother is one of the most compassionate, good-hearted, empathetic people that you'd ever meet," Bobby, who is also a chef, said on CNN's New Day. "These accusations are very hurtful to her, and it's very sad."
Extra! at The Grove
What's on your mind, Paula?
The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
Deen appeared on The Tonight Show back in 2012, before her N-word controversy.
Oh Paula
She's quite the animated Southern belle.
The Today Show
"The main reason I'm here today, it's important that I tell you and everyone out there how I live my life," Deen tells Matt Lauer on the Today show during her big apology interview. "I believe that every one of God's creatures was created equal, no matter what church you go to pray. I believe that everyone should be treated equal, and that's the way I was raised."
Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel
Deen attends Paula Deen's Kitchen grand opening at Chicago Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel on April 2012 in Chicago.
2010 CMT Music Awards
Deens looked happy to be attending the 2010 CMT Music Awards in Nashville.
Just a Joke
"It's just what they are—they're jokes...most jokes are about Jewish people, rednecks, black folks...Gays or straights, black, redneck, you know, I just don't know—I just don't know what to say. I can't, myself, determine what offends another person."
The Price Is Right
Paula gets her game show on.
Money Issues
A Forbes staff writer estimated that Deen's loss of her Food Network and Smithfield deals would cost her about $3 to $4.5 million due to a ripple effect.