Diabetes drug maker, Novo, and big box retail giant, Target, are the latest companies to sever ties with Paula Deen whose business image has been recently tainted after she admitted to using the racist N-word in the past in front of her employees.
Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk said in a statement on Thursday that the company "and Paula Deen have mutually agreed to suspend our patient education activities for now, while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed."
Paula Deen, 66, had become the public face of the company's diabetes medication Victoza early last year after she announced that she had from Type 2 diabetes and endorsed the drug. Deen is well-known for her use of heavy use of butter in the bulk of her Southern food dishes.
"Novo Nordisk would like to acknowledge Paula's involvement in our Diabetes in a New Light campaign, where she has helped make many people aware of type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle changes needed to control this serious disease," the company added.
Meanwhile, Target said that once their Paula Deen merchandise is sold out, they will not be re-ordering more, according to The Associated Press.
Earlier this week, Deen lost her endorsement deal with ham company Smithfield and Caesars Entertainment Corporations and Walmart ended their relationships with her. The Food Network, which hosted her popular cooking show, dropped her from their channel last Friday.
Paula Deen admitted to using racist language as part of a $1.2 million lawsuit brought by Lisa Jackson, the former manager of a restaurant run by Deen and her brother Bubba Hiers. She is also accused to having a slave-themed wedding for her brother.
Deen appeared on "Today" on Wednesday in which she offered a tearful apology -- saying, "If there's anyone out there that has never said something that they wish they could take back ... please pick up that stone and throw it so hard at my head that it kills me."
