Paula Deen Used a Slur Because ‘She Was Born 60 Years Ago’
Paula Deen admitted in a recent
deposition that she’s used a racial slur in
the past. Now, her camp has given a more
in-depth explanation why.
“During a deposition where she swore to
tell the truth, Ms. Deen recounted having
used a racial epithet in the past, speaking
largely about a time in American history
which was quite different than today,”
read a statement from Paula Deen
Enterprises. “She was born 60 years ago
when America’s South had schools that
were segregated, different bathrooms,
different restaurants and Americans rode
in different parts of the bus. This is not
today.”
The statement concluded: “To be clear Ms.
Deen does not find acceptable the use of
this term under any circumstance by
anyone nor condone any form of racism or
discrimination.”
The celebrity chef and her brother are
being sued for racial and sexual
discrimination by Lisa Jackson, who
worked as a manager of their restaurant.
During a deposition in May, Jackson’s
lawyer asked Deen, 66, if she’d ever used
the N-word . She said she had.
However, in a statement to ABC News, her
lawyer, Bill Franklin, said Deen “does not
condone or find the use of racial epithets
acceptable.”
Meanwhile, the Food Network, which
broadcasts two of her shows, has made it
clear where they stand on the issue.
“Food Network does not tolerate any form
of discrimination and is a strong
proponent of diversity and inclusion,”
said a Food Network spokeswoman. “We
will continue to monitor the situation.”
