Paula Deen is known for her Southern charm, boisterous laugh, and liberal use of butter. But, if the National Enquirer is correct, the "lady" may also be known for her racial slurs and the most politically-incorrect "dream party" ever.
This week's Enquirer cover story claims the tabloid is in possession of a video deposition taken in connection with a harassment lawsuit filed by Lisa Jackson, the former general manager of a restaurant co-owned by Deen and her brother Bubba Hiers. According to USA Today, the lawsuit claims that Hiers "routinely made inappropriate sexual and racial remarks and that she heard both Hiers and Deen use racial slurs.
According to the Enquirer, in the deposition taken May 17, the celebrity chef "confesses to using the N-word on several occasions and even wanting black waiters to play the role of slave in a wedding party she was planning." The Enquirer adds that Deen also revealed "stunning family secrets about booze and pornography" and that it was all "captured on video".
So far, the tabloid has not released the video, which could jeopardize Deen's image and the culinary empire she has built for herself that includes her Food Network shows, cookware line, and endorsement deals -- most notoriously with pharma Novo Nordisk for their diabetes medication.
Though some dismiss the National Enquirer as gossip-filled, it has a track record of exposing some pretty scandalous stories including John Edwards' affair with Rielle Hunter; details of Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky; and Jesse Jackson's illegitimate child.
Clean Plate Charlie reached out to Deen's publicist for comment. We will update this post with a reply.
Follow Laine Doss on Twitter @LaineDoss and Facebook.
Follow @ CleanPlateBPB
