Food Network star Paula Deen has been the subject of intense controversy after admitting to using the n-word and making racist remarks during her recent deposition, and recently the celebrity chef released a video where she makes an apology for her offensive behavior, according to the Business Insider.
Deen is being sued for $1.2 million by Lisa Jackson, the former manager of her Georgia restaurant, Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House, for an alleged ongoing racial harassment at the establishment.
"I want to apologize to everybody for the wrong that I've done," Deen said in her apology video. "I want to learn and grow from this...I beg you, my children, my team, my fans, my partners, I beg for your forgiveness."
Recently quotes from Deen at the May 17 deposition have been released, including Deen replying, "Yes, of course" when Jackson's attorney asked her if she had ever used the n-word before. Deen gave examples of the times she had used the slur, including a time when she had allegedly been held at gunpoint by a man.
"Well, it was probably when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head," Deen admitted in her deposition statement. "I don't remember, but the gun was dancing all around my temple...I didn't - I didn't feel real favorable towards him." She went on to clarify that she had used the slur not directly at the man, but when at home recalling the story to her husband.
When asked about using the slur in a joking manner Deen responded: "I don't know. But that's just not a word that we use as time has gone on. Things have changed since the '60s in the south. And my children and my brother object to that word being used in any cruel or mean behavior. As well as I do."
Deen is also under fire for allegedly wanting black waiters to play the role of slaves at a wedding she was organizing. She explained that she had gotten the idea from a restaurant she had dined at with her husband.
"I mean, it was really impressive," Deen said. "That restaurant represented a certain era in America...after the Civil War, during the Civil War, before the Civil War...It was not only black men, it was black women...I would say they were slaves."
On the subject of racist jokes, Deen stated: "It's just what they are - they're jokes...most jokes are about Jewish people, rednecks, black folks...I can't determine what offends another person."
Deen failed to appear at The Today Show earlier today, a rep for the celebrity chef citing exhaustion. Deen later tweeted that she would be shortly be posting a video statement.
"Inappropriate, hurtful language is totally unacceptable," Deen said in her statement, visibly distraught. "Please forgive me for the mistakes that I've made."
