Beleaguered Chef Paula Deen Appears on NBC's TODAY

Paula Deen, the beleaguered chef who didn't show up for her TODAY interview last Friday, will now appear today's live broadcast on NBC to join Matt Lauer for an exclusive interview. "She has told us she will be here this time," the anchorman assured viewers.

In recent weeks, Deen has come up against harsh criticism over the revelation that she once used racial slurs against an employee. The news led to the cancellation of her contract with the Food Network. While legions of her fans have come to her defense, others have lampooned the southern cook across social media.

An expert told USA TODAY that despite posting recent pleas for forgiveness on Youtube, Deen has already done irreparable damage to her brand and career.

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