Beleaguered Chef Paula Deen Loses Product Endorsement Deal
By: Caryn Robbins Jun. 24, 2013
TMZ reports that Paula Deen, the beleaguered chef who has recently come up against harsh criticism over the revelation that she once used racial slurs against an employee, has lost one of her celebrity endorsement deals today.
Smithfield, the company which features The Paula Deen Collection of specialized pork products, has dropped the cook from her contract. The company told TMZ, "Smithfield condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. We are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen."
The statement goes on to say, "Smithfield is determined to be an ethical food industry leader and it is important that our values and those of our spokespeople are properly aligned."Over the weekend, the Food Network announced it would not be renewing Deen's contract with the network. While legions of her fans came to her defense, others lampooned the southern cook across social media.
Last week, Deen failed to show up for an interiview with NBC's TODAY, however the morning show announced this morning that she will appear on Wednesday's live broadcast. "She has told us she will be here this time," confirmed anchorman Matt Lauer.
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