Paula Deen Cries on Today Show, Apologizes for “Little Monkey” Comment

Paula Dean Addresses Racism on Today Show

Everything is not butter for Paula Deen right now. The down home cook and Southern mama pulled her appearance on The Today Show on June 21, the same day that The Food Network fired her. Now, she’s opening up on Today about what went down and whether she is a racist.

Paula sat down with Matt Lauer to explain how everything blew up around her. Clearly she was distressed and even teared up in the interview.

“The main reason I am here today is, it’s important to me that I tell you and everyone out there, what I believe, and how I live my life. I believe that every creature on this earth, every one of God’s creatures was created equal,” she said. “I believe that everyone should be treated equal. That’s the way I was raised, and that’s the way I live my life.”

What Did Paula Deen Say About Race?

Paula Deen is under fire for using the N-word and calling her black cook her “little monkey” in the past. She has many African American employees and fans, making the comments even worse for her image. She told Lauer that she is not a racist and is upset because people who have never met her are suddenly judging her every move. Such is the price of stardom, Mrs Deen.

Since the incident, Paula has apologized profusely. She posted a video on July 21 explaining herself and apologizing to everyone she hurt. She said that race, color, and sexual preference don’t matter to her, it’s what is in the heart.

“Yes, I worked hard and I made mistakes, but that is no excuse,” she said.

Deen was visibly distressed in the video. She said that she was unable to attend her first interview on Today because she was physically ill becuase of what was being said about her.

Paula Deen Could Lose QVC Deal

Adding to the pile of sadness surrounding Deen, QVC has been monitoring her story. They are not pleased that one of their clients would express racism.

“QVC shares the concerns being raised around the unfortunate Paula Deen situation,” the home shopping network told E! News. “QVC does not tolerate discriminatory behavior. We are closely monitoring these events and the ongoing litigation. We are reviewing our business relationship with Ms. Deen, and in the meantime, we have no immediate plans to have her appear on QVC.”

Seeing as Paula is from the South and a generation where racism was rampant, it’s a little strange that these comments would be so harmful to her image in 2013. Yes, what she said was horrible and not OK, but she said them in the past and it’s the way she was raised. I’m sure her fans’ grandparents have said worse things.