Paula Deen lost another part of her empire on Monday: Smithfield Foods said it was dropping her as a spokeswoman. The announcement came days after the Food Network said it would not renew the celebrity cook’s contract in the wake of revelations that she used racial slurs in the past.
Smithfield sold Paula Deen-branded hams in addition to using her as a spokeswoman. In a statement, the company said it “condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen.”
QVC also said it was reviewing its deal with Paula Deen Enterprises to sell the star’s cookbooks and cookware. Sears said the company “is currently exploring next steps as they pertain to Ms. Deen’s products.” Wal-Mart, which sells Deen’s cookware, was expected to have a statement later Monday.
The rapid downfall came after a deposition in a discrimination lawsuit revealed that the 66-year-old Food Network star admitted using racial slurs in the past.
