Following the backlash, Deen posted two apology videos online saying “I want to apologize to everybody for the wrong that I’ve done.” She also said, “I want to learn and grow from this. Inappropriate and hurtful language is totally, totally unacceptable.” Dean added, “I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way but I beg you, my children, my team, my fans, my partners, I beg for your forgiveness. Please forgive me for the mistakes that I have made.”
In a statement issued at the time, a spokesperson said, “Food Network will not renew Paula Deen’s contract when it expires at the end of this month.”
Smithfield Foods also released a statement then saying, “Smithfield condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen.” They added, “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.”
Caesars also cut ties with Dean following the scandal. A representative of the company said, “While we appreciate Paula’s sincere apologies for statements she made in her past that she recently disclosed during a deposition given in response to a lawsuit, after thoughtful consideration of their impact, we have mutually decided that it is in the best interests of both parties to part ways at this time.”
