Paula Deen's Publisher Cancels Multi-Book Contract

The Associated Press reports that Paula Deen's publisher Ballantine Books announce today it will not release "Paula Deen's New Testament: 250 Favorite Recipes, All Lightened Up", the first of a five-book deal - the rest of which has also been cancelled.

The cookbook was set for release in October 2013. Pre-orders had skyrocketed after Deen's admission that she had used a racial slur in a civil lawsuit deposition and the controversy that ensued.

"I am confident that these books will be published and that we will have a new publisher," Deen's literary agent Janis Donnaud told the AP.

TMZ also reported earlier today that Paula Deen and diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk have "parted ways". The celebrity chef, who recently revealed that she suffers from Type 2 diabetes, was the current spokesperson for the company's campaign, "Diabetes in a New Light." A spokesperson for the company told the site, that they have mutually agreed to part ways, at least for now, "while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed."

Additionally, BWW reported earlier today that Caesars Entertainment Corporation, which operates Deen's restaurant chain, Paula Deen's Kitchen, in four of its casinos in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina and Mississippi, announced they would end their relationship with the celebrity chef.

Plus, the Wal-Mart chain, which carried Deen's eyeglasses and cookware lines along with other food products endorsed bythe 66-year-old, told People yesterday, "We are ending our relationship with Paula Deen Enterprises and we will not place new orders beyond those already committed. We will work with suppliers to address existing inventories and agreements."

Last week, the beleaguered chef learned that her contract with Food Network would not be renewed. She was also cut from her endorsement deal with Smithfield Foods, who carry a line of fine pork products.

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