If you were at the Food Network, would you have fired Paula Deen or given her a second chance?
Do you think the Food Network's handling of the Paula Deen situation was appropriate or too reactionary?
Tough but good question! I think I would have done the same thing. Her contract is about to expire and as more details emerge, it really is damaging. Her brand is secondary to the Food Network brand and continuing the relationship could be even more problematic than the anger that is currently being directed at them for ending their current relationship with Paula Deen.
I gave her the benefit of the doubt but upon finding that the slurs were used just a few years ago rather than 20 or 30 does put her in a different light. Then, there's this: huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/21/paula-deen-racism_n_3480720.html. I found the way she referred to that grown man (and other things) as very offensive, if he saw no problem with it, that's his choice but all this took place just last year.
This is definitely a difficult situation for the FN, however, ending the current relationship is the right thing. Who knows, if Paula is sincerely apologetic and consistent with sincere displays of change, she and the FN could rejoin forces and of course she can continue other ventures on her own.
I saw that link you just posted. It's hard to justify her reasoning behind any of that.
And it further proves that people who don't know the power of words this day in age are among the most uninformed.
Thanks for answering!
I was never a fan of Paula Deen, I thought she was overrated. I also know how the media could be over dramatic for ratings. I think the Food Network made the right call. Her fans think otherwise. I bet Fox will offer her a job If they don't she sure as heck made enough money to last her a lifetime and then some.
I only watched because my late grandmother was a huge fan of the Food Network. But my mom, aunts, cousins and I all agreed she only used a lot of butter and it didn't look that good.
She has other endeavors but Food Network's money is unmatched.
Alecia, you've really been getting these provocative questions out to the HP community! In my opinion, PD is an ignorant and insensitive person who has little awareness of how she comes off to people when she makes these comments. The very fact that she initially didn't get that it was offensive is clearly obvious of this ignorance.
I think FN has a lot to gamble by keeping her on as a contracted cook. It would appear that she was supported buy them if they did not fire her. As painful as this might have been, and as remorseful as PD is through her 'damage control' statements, the damage is already done.
I agree. If they had done nothing, it would've appeared supportive. Just like when Marv Albert had his scandal and was quickly fired. While he was facing criminal charges it was no less stupid what he did.
Thanks for answering Denise!
Deen has her loyal followers and has made an impact on the world of cooking. Her hiding her diabetes while cooking with lots of butter set he back some, but this latest news may just force her to withdraw from the limelight for a time. She is an icon, but Food Network must make decisions based upon what image they want to portray to the public, this current Deen upset may cause the cancellation of her show. She will not hurt monetarily, that's for sure. Wonder if her sons' show will remain on the FN? Interesting to see what happens.
Great points teaches12345. I don't know how Food Network will handle her sons' shows. But I think in their case you can't fault them for their mother's indiscretions. Thanks for answering!
That's a tough question. I grew up in the South when there was a lot of racial discrimination (wrote a Hub about that). My parents never allowed me to use the N word. I was taught to respect everyone; however, I can believe Paula used the N word as part of her southern upbringing.
I criticize her more for cooking with all that butter and sugar, especially after she knew she had diabetes.
Hi Mary,
I think her hiding her diabetes was just as bad if not worse than this incident. Thanks for responding!
I agree Mary. She used way too much butter and sugar, especially knowing she had diabetes. That shocks me more than her saying any word. I didn't really care for her style of cooking and her big mouth. Was not a big fan of Paula Deen.
Hi Deb,
I agree, her cooking style was bad but I feel like the comments probably made food network really reconsider her contract.
If the Food Network fired her because they truly thought what she did was unforgivable, then OK. But I have my doubts. I can't help but think that their whole motive for there action was solely to appease their sponsors, who of course pay the bills. I am sure that those decision makers have used that same word, somewhere, sometime. The fact that she used the word in front of the camera is no worse than the guy behind the camera. Her popularity shouldn't make her punishment any worse than the next person. Nor should it make it any less. Celebrities seem to have a way of getting away with murder.
Good points, IDONO. It may be to protect sponsorship or they really feel that they can't do anything with her. Who knows? Let's hope this serves as an example that it's not going to be as easy to get away with murder. Thank you for commenting!
There are certain things that you just do not say. In my mind it is offensive and wrong.
I am a big fan of the Food Network. Right now i am watching The Next Food Network Star. Paula has always been one of their celebrity chefs.
Although she will be missed, i think the network did the right thing.
That being said, I hope she does a come back. I think she has a good heart.
Hi Arc4life,
I see your perspective. Food Network had to do what they thought was right.
Maybe Paula will come back in different capacity but I think a lot hinges on tomorrow's Today Show interview and how she does. Thanks for answering!
by marshaleepinnock 13 years ago
Who is in shock that Paula Deen has diabetes
by Susan Reid 11 years ago
Longtime Food Network star Paula Deen is in trouble for supposed racist remarks (she is said to have admitted to using the "N" word). She is being sued by a former employee for race and sex discrimination.The Food Network is not renewing her contract at the end of this month.Even Matt...
by Cynthia Lyerly 11 years ago
Is Paula Deen's firing from Food Network too severe?As a nation, we've been asked to forgive lots of things: Bill Clinton's inappropriate behavior in the Oval Office, Anthony Weiner's and Mark Sanders' infidelity, Reece Witherspoon's disorderly conduct, Chris Brown's abusive behavior, and of...
by Laurel Rogers 11 years ago
America's southern food sweetheart has gotten herself into some deep sh*t. Due to her alleged use of 'The N-Word', Food Network has fired her, and she is frantically doing damage control via the media.Check out this link then tell us what you think will happen to the star, or what SHOULD...
by qtkeeks 13 years ago
do you enjoy watching the Food Network? What is ur favorite show?
by DeborahChapman 11 years ago
What do you think Paula Deen Should do, keep doing interviews or let everything die down?Paula has been doing interview after interview as well as her family doing interviews. The situation keeps getting worse.
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