Oh Paula…

The media world has been buzzing the past few days about Paula Deen admitting to using the N-word and making racist and anti-semitic jokes in a recent deposition. The deposition took place as part of a court case where former employee Lisa Jackson sued Deen and her brother, alleging several instances of sexual and racial workplace discrimination.

Here is a portion of the deposition where she was asked specifically about using the N-word:

Lawyer: Have you ever used the N-word yourself?
Deen: Yes, of course.

Lawyer: Okay. In what context?
Deen: Well, it was probably when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head.

Lawyer: Okay. And what did you say?
Deen: Well, I don’t remember, but the gun was dancing all around my temple … I didn’t — I didn’t feel real favorable towards him.

Lawyer: Okay. Well, did you use the N-word to him as he pointed a gun in your head at your face?
Deen: Absolutely not.

Lawyer: Well, then, when did you use it?
Deen: Probably in telling my husband.

Lawyer: Okay. Have you used it since then?
Deen: I’m sure I have, but it’s been a very long time.

Lawyer: Can you remember the context in which you have used the N-word?
Deen: No.

Lawyer: Has it occurred with sufficient frequency that you cannot recall all of the various context in which you’ve used it?
Deen: No, no.

Lawyer: Well, then tell me the other context in which you’ve used the N-word?
Deen: I don’t know, maybe in repeating something that was said to me.

Lawyer: Like a joke?
Deen: No, 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. And my children and my brother object to that word being used in any cruel or mean behavior. As well as I do.

Yesterday, there was a no holds barred interview scheduled with Deen and Matt Lauer on The Today Show. Reps notified the show that Paula was suffering from “exhaustion” and would not be there. Then she posted a YouTube video apologizing and asking for forgiveness:

Remember when Isaiah Washington got fired from Grey’s Anatomy for using a gay slur? He apologized, was black listed, and you have not seen him working in Hollywood since. *Sidebar: Isaiah, reach out to Tyler Perry. He will hire ya!* I’m wondering if the same happen to Paula. The Food Network has released a statement saying that they will NOT renew her contract next month. As I heard someone say yesterday, “Her goose is cooked!”

I actually feel bad for Paula. I am a fan. I have eaten at her restaurant, watched her shows, and cooked many of her recipes. In fact, my mamaFAB is in Mississippi at Harrah’s casino where there is a Paula Deen buffet. I know she is tearing up some food down there! As I write this article, I’m admiring my Paula Deen shopping tote… *sighs*

 

 

I think Paula should step away from the limelight for a moment. Let this die down. She can always attempt a comeback as America loves a comeback story.  After all, who are we to judge? We have all said something in life that we have regretted. It’s just different when you are a celebrity, not to mention all of this social media. Everything is documented on one way or another these days.

What are you thoughts on this? Will Paula be forgiven by the American people.  Will her fans be loyal? Will that loyalty be race based? Please chime in a  leave a FABcomment!  For more on Paula’s deposition, click here to read an article from The Daily Beast posted on Facebook by @Alexis InWonderland.  It is pure foolery!  Perhaps Paula should have been coached first…