First I must apologize to all my fans who have asked me in emails and private messages why I haven’t really commented on the whole Paula Deen situation. As y’all know, I am a major Paula Deen fan. I’ve eaten in her restaurant many times, I’ve taken my mother to Savannah just so she could do the same for her birthday, and I have promoted many of her recipes right here on my Food Blog. So why have I been so quiet then? Am I ashamed to be a Paula Deen fan? Am I concerned if I show my support I will lose my fans who disagree with my stance? Well I am here today to tell you that none of these could be farther from the truth.
For those of you who do not know, I have a bit of a personal connection to Paula Deen. I’m sure you, her fans, have heard Paula Deen talk about her two beautiful aunts, Peggy and Trina. She is very close with them. We’ve seen her Aunt Peggy many times on her shows and we remember Paula telling us how Aunt Peggy helped her get started in her cooking career.
So how does this all connect with me? I came into the picture with her family through her aunt Trina. Trina Paul Bearden and I have recently finished collaborating on a cookbook we’ve been working on for the last year. I’ve spent many hours on the phone and internet with Trina, and I have also been a guest in her home. We’ve spent many hours poring over recipes, changing them to come up with that perfect taste, and yes, going through many of Paula’s cookbooks. Trina has shared with me many of her mama’s recipes and we wanted to make sure we were not duplicating ones Paula had already published. During this time together I listened to her tell me so many stories of her and Paula growing up together. Trina is only a couple years older than Paula so they were more like sisters. Trina would tell me how caring Paula is, how much she treasures her family and the respect she has for everyone in her life. I can’t tell y’all how many times, as I listened to her talk, I felt as though it was Paula’s voice talking about her family herself. Through these conversations I received a personal education of Paula Deen.
There is much talk about the “word” Paula used over twenty-five + years ago. I cannot now or ever say I condone that word. It has always been a word that I would even leave a family get-together if I heard it. Yes, my maternal side of the family is all southern. I’m talking mountain southern people, and this word was part of their vocabulary. There’s no changing that. But Paula apologized for her use of it. She apologized because she’s an honest person who could easily have lied to protect herself but she didn’t. I cannot say I could have done the same. Nor do I think many who have chastised her this past week could have either. Again, I am not saying she was right in using this word. Nor am I defending this word being used in any manor. I am not.
There are other things Paula is “accused” of saying by the individual whom, it has been reported, asked for $1,250,000.00 from Paula or she would sue and go public with her “accusations”. Did you hear that word? “Accusations”. That is all they are right now. There has been no court hearing ruling in favor of this accuser.
At this point all we have is her side of the story, and now Paula’s side of the story. So why is it that only Paula is being victimized? Why is her accuser not on the news every day and night? Perhaps it is because the accuser is not worth millions of dollars. The accuser would notsell their magazines or newspapers or get you to watch their news and entertainment shows.
Paula on the other hand is a household name because we have all invited her into our homes sometimes on a daily basis. She reminds us of our mother or aunt. We have respected her for all her charitable contributions and events she’s held. One that stands out to me is her support of Bethesda Academy for boys and the tremendous amounts of money she has given and raised for the them. She loves this organization so much, she even married her soul mate Michael Groover in Whitfield Chapel at the Academy. This is not the only charitable thing she has done out of her loving generosity, there are too many to list in my small blog. Just Google her name and charities and you will see just how giving and loving Paula is.
So those news and entertainment magazines/shows who are accusing Paula of only worrying about her bottom line need to look in the mirror. They are using her and this story to increase theirs. I sat and watched the evening news and Paula’s was the lead story two nights in a row. She topped a murder case of an NFL player, the murder trial of Travon Martin and the story of Edward Snowden’s release of U.S. intelligence information. Why? The networks’ bottom line and their advertisers.
Now if y’all look back over what I have written, it’s mainly what I have heard on the news. Much the same way all of you have gotten your information. How many of you actually know Paula Deen? How many of you have spent hours, days and weeks with her? I am guessing very few if any of you who are reading this. I am basing my point of view of my direct contact with her family this past week.
Last week Paula Deen’s Aunt Trina was admitted to the hospital early in the week. Thursday of last week Paula was going to fly out to be with her aunt but couldn’t because of severe storms in the area of where her Aunt Trina lives. Paula had already flown her cousin and Aunt Peggy to Savannah to accompany her when they found out they couldn’t fly into the area. It was the very next morning when Paula was so emotionally exhausted that she could not bring herself to appear on the Today show. I believe I would have been in the same state if I were losing a dear family member on top of the accusations being slung around. Then Friday evening I got the call from one of Trina’s daughters saying that Trina may not make it through the weekend. I was on the next flight out and spent the next 48 hours with Trina and her family; a family holding on dearly to their matriarch. I watched them as they were grieving for the hell that their mother was going through while at the same time they were being bombarded with the news reports of their niece and cousin being chastised with accusations and dragging her name being dragged through the mud. These are the same people who were raised in the same way as Paula. Heck, Paula and Trina grew up together. Did I see any sort of racism in any of these family members? NO. Did I hear that “word” this time in their home or last November when I spent a week with Trina? NO. I was welcomed into the home of this beautiful southern family as one of their own and treated as though I were a member of that family. The same way their Paula does with the people she comes in contact.
So, I am not saying that any of Paula’s accusers’ accusations are true or untrue. I can’t do that. That is up to a court of law. What I am saying is that I do not believe Paula is a racist or would ever want to knowingly hurt anyone. I somehow think a lot of these companies that are abandoning Paula Deen are using this as a way out. They are looking for personalities who appeal to their younger demographics. They can’t be blamed for looking out for their own companies, but they should be honest if this is true. Hell, Paula was honest, why can’t they be.
Even today, former President Jimmie Carter stated his support of Paula Deen. He suggested that she allow the dust to settle but continue to apologize as she has for her mistake.
How about we all allow her some time to do this.
Yes, I support Paula Deen.
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Finally someone with some common sense.I applaud you for this story.I believe with my whole heart you are right on so many points.Paula is a good person that worked for everything she has and her accuser wanted it all for herself.I wish the best for Paula’s family and I can’t wait for Paula to have her day in court. So sorry for the loss of Mrs.Trina.
Pinky….
Thank you for the comment…
Trina is still holding on, she is a fighter like her niece,
This is beautiful, Greg. Your words brought tears to my eyes. I pray Paula will be fine. She has my support, admiration, and love. God bless her and all of her family.
I am not one that keeps up on the media (I don’t want to lead a depressing life), but I do hear conversations about what is going on. I would really like to share this story on my fan page if you don’t mind. Very good article Greg.
My daughter had the good fortune to work for Paula when she was designing labels for her food products. She told me that Paula treated everyone in her employ like family. My daughter says it was like working with family and that Paula was like everybody’s “favorite aunt”. This woman is being persecuted based on a greedy ex-employee unproven accusations. It’s terribly unfair. I wonder who the next media target will be?
Paula is such a beautiful soul. We cant people leave her alone
Read your blog and I agree totally,,, her and her family all needs our prayers at this time,,
My prayers are for all of Paula’s family. Hang in there Trina.
love Paula, cant believe that something that was done so long ago, would be an issue today. That entire thing was just stupid. And I would bet everyone in on this witch hunt, has made a racial slur at some point in time. But, just look around, there are a lot of double standards today.
So the price is, crawl in a hole and die??how many execs have done the same? Everyone, grow up!!!!!!!Get over it, go on!
Thank you for your bog on this. I am in total agreement with you. We have gone to Atlanta and saw the whole family in a celebration at Uncle Bubbas…they were so gracious to the fans who interrupted their celebration. I also had lunch at The Lady and Son’s. They had nothing but good things to say about how she always made sure that everyone had ‘golden opportunities’ and she supported her employees every step of the way. They loved working there…that says a lot…
Thank you for sharing that. Makes us love Paula even more.
Didn’t know her accuser demanded money or she blow the whistle. As for her cousin Trina hope she’s ok and that explains why Paula didn’t appear on the Today Show last week. Like I said before Paula needs time to get her thoughts together. God Bless her she’s been thru a lot. Thanks Greg.
Good for you! I am so glad someone supports her. When first hearing of this whole fiasco I told my husband .. the “disgruntled employee” that started this mess has 833,332.00 reasons to make Paula out to be a Southern Scoundrel .. and her Attorney has 416,666.00 reasons to make Paula sound ruthless and racist.
Many years ago I worked in restaurants and yes they can be cut throat and some of them down right nasty places to work. I personally moved on a couple of times because the atmosphere was not conducive to a pleasant peaceful work environment … but I never would have even thought about suing or causing such a stink as this. Hence, I can only assume she is doing this for money only and no other reason.
I do not know about the other endorsements but I do know I am furious at the Food Network.
They have never fired Bobby Flay who is a known womanizer and adulterer … he has several shows on which he is not only the Chef/Host but also on some a Judge.
Therefore, all I can surmise is that to Commit Adultery is okay , but to use the N word 25 years ago is a no-no! What pure Hog-Wash!!!
I think there are way too many bad things in the world than to focus on Paula Deen, I mean seriously, really? I love her and she loves everyone!
Thank you for enlightening some people. I don’t personally know Paula, but I know that she is not a racist as sine people say. She is known to have many black friends and I’m glad that many are coming to her defense. It is all about money and TV ratings. That plus the media scandalizing doesn’t help. I was not aware of her problems at home. I will share this on my wall.
What a great article about Paula. I have watched her shows for a very long time. I am sad she is not on any longer. I feel like she is being treated unfairly. There is not a single person on this earth that is perfect. Why is she being treated so badly because of her imperfection. God bless her and her family and I pray to God this all is resolved and very soon and Paula and her family can get back to the “norm”. I am also praying for her cousin Trina.
A voice of reason and one with personal knowledge, THANK YOU !!
I have been standing up for Paula on my Facebook Page and on Local News station Pages.
I have been saying the same things, minus the personal parts, as you. She has not been found guilty of anything she was accused of that instigated the need for a deposition. She is being discriminated against by many including the Food Network because they have decided “guilty until proven innocent” and as big of a deal as this has become, If they offered her her job back, IF she would accept such an offer, I doubt they would do it due to the fact as you said, it’s about bottom line and them admitting they were hasty in their decision would not do well for that at all as I believe they would lose more subscribers by admitting they were wrong/
Paula, you are a wonderful person in the eyes of myself and my family and our prayers go out to you that you get thru this, remain who you are and come back stronger than ever and keep on cookin’.
Those who have planned to undermine you will be Judged by a Higher Court in due time.
well said. just in the past few days , 2 “famous” sports figures have been charged with murder and attempted murder, but no cries of crucifixtion for them have been heard. they take a back seat to this crazy railroading of paula dean. it is insane, but shows what a shameful state this world is in. thank you for your support of paula. she is one gutsy lady whom i adore, and i pray for her and her family. she has apologized over and over, now it is time to stand up and take her life back. come on paula, get going girl!!
Am very sorry for all-Paula told the truth-good for you.
“THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE-BUT FIRST IT WILL MAKE EVERYONE MAD” I AM GAINING MORE RESPECT FOR YOU DAILY BECAUSE YOU TOLD THE TRUTH.. HANG IN THERE THIS 2 SHALL PASS!!!! Blessing
much has changed in 25 years! i hope that a mistake i made back then would not cause me to be pilloried like poor Paula. she should hold her head up & keep on truckin! the old adage – people who live in glass houses should not throw stones – surely applies here! i am a fan & will continue to support Paula & her family!!!!
Wonderfully written! I have been so angry and upset since all this started and only know the Deen family through books and television. Can’t begin to imagine how her family feels! Consider yourselves “virtually” hugged! Sending GET WELL SOON wishes to Trina.
As a fellow Georgian, I’ve always been proud of Paula and all that she’s accomplished. Thanks Greg for sharing your experiences with this wonderful family. The thing that keeps coming to my mind and I hope this has been pointed out to Paula and her family….the people who are criticizing Paula are the company executives and producers who are either afraid or having something to gain by publicly shaming her. These people are the “few”. The tidal wave of support that is being poured out on all the social media and in every possible way to show Paula that she is loved….that’s what is important. If Paula ever doubted that she’s a beloved fixture in most of our lives, the upside of this awful situation is that she never has to doubt again how much we treasure her.
I think that more people should read what you have written and absorb it. She should be commended for her honesty..she could have lied but chose not too…she gave us example of truth that more of us should learn from..in the south I think very few people can say they never have used that word at some point or another..I will continue to support Paula and send love to her and her family and prayers to Trina and her family!!
Paula, I’m sorry this is happening to you but you will come out the other side stronger. Your career will rebound. It’s not the public that’s against you. It’s the media. They are dishonest and biased with everything they cover. They slant it to fit their interests and you are their latest victim. We know the truth. Please don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed. We, the public, know better and we support you. I’m praying for you daily, as are both of my daughters (13 and 9). We loved watching your show together and making your recipes. Thanks for that wonderful memory and when the dust settles and you are back full force, we’ll be watching you again. I was born Ian’s bred in the south. I’m in my 40s and remember from my childhood when that word was commonly used. As you know it became less used as time has gone on. I think you were framed with that question during the deposition because they knew your age and where you were from. There isn’t one person from that era in that location that could say they didn’t use that word and they knew that. I think you are the one with the valid lawsuit…age discrimination and character assassination. Stop apologizing and FIGHT! You’ve done nothing wrong.
I love Miss Paula and I am behind her 100%. Sending love and prayers from our house to hers and also prayers and get well wishes to Aunt Trina.
Well written,your respect and admiration for the Deen family is clear.Ms.Paula should hold her head high,no more stinkin’ thinkin’,the truth will come out.Family first and I know their love will be there to get her through.
What a beautiful and heart felt post, Thank you. I still love Paula Deen and support her. I have loved watching her family grow on TV. Mom called her “The happy butter Lady”, while I cared for her…The last six years of her life. Miss Paula made her laugh every day. My heart goes out to you,each and every one. It took me nine months to leave my house after Mom died, thanks Paula for giving me the courage to get back out in the world. I will never, ever give up on you. Keep fighting Trina!
I wasn’t a fan of Paula’s before… I caught her on Rachael Ray quite a while back and really liked that woman. I can now say with all this negative publicity happening today, that I love the Paula Deen. She sounds like someone I would love to get to know–to have as a friend. She has a pure heart and it shows through. I would be proud to call her friend and my prayers are with her and her family! If there can be any silver lining at all, I think it’s that Paula has a larger fanbase than she did before this hit the news. Paula should just sell her books and cookware on her own website. I’m sure she’d be a success! What goes around, comes around, I always say. <3
I totally support Paula. She has stated that it was a mistake and she is deeply sorry. I believe her and as a fan, I will never leave her side. I believe that she will rebound from this and she has always been and will always be in my prayers.
I have and will continue to pray for Paula and her family!! Thank you for supporting her and for your wonderfully written letter to all. Love you Paula!
I support Paula Deen, the man Eugene King that held her at gun point in which she called this word, supports Paula Deen, and so does Reverend Jesse Jackson. I think these companies are taking things too seriously. This happened 30 years ago, and if she can be forgiven by the man that held her at gunpoint then no one should have any problem with this, as far as I am concerned it is no one’s business but Paula’s and Mr.Kings. My mother just cancelled her subscription to the Food Network magazine and now is going to start subscription for the Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine. For them to quit on her like that after being involved with her for so many years makes them cowards in my book. Paula, my mom and I stand behind you.
‘Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone…’ We have all done something in our lives that we regret. How can we judge her for something she did so many years ago? She wasn’t even under any contract when this happened. I bet this lady who is throwing these accusations heard the story and is trying to use it to her advantage by drudging up the past. I am supporting you, Paula, and I hope and pray that the truth be revealed.
It is so hard to watch these people focus on destroying what is obviously a true, genteel southern lady. I have kept up with her for many years, watching her shows, trying her recipes, reading about her kind heart and generous spirit. I pray she will stay strong and realize that her true fans will always love her and wish only the best for her. My prayers will continue to be with her and her family through this very difficult time.
Your post was heart felt and beautiful. You’ve given us even more of a reason to love and stand by Paula Deen. And you’ve given us a chance to get to know you as well. Prayers from Oklahoma for Aunt Trina and all.
I can identify with what paula is going thru. I said the word vitamin x and paid a fine of $500 and having to take some classes which are redundant. Paula is no worse than the next person, we have all said something in the past that we regret saying and said without thinking about it. Frankly I would have a hard time remembering what i said to someone thirty years ago and i have a memory like an elephant. she has my full support and this other person who is trying to sue her, should just get over it. I have been called cracker, and treated with racism from the afroamericans in my career and had to suck it up and go on, Due to repercusions if I were to say anything about it. So I say to you paula keep the faith, you will come thru this. I love your show and recipes. I know you to be a charitable person, and have a good heart. this will win out in the end regardless of what the legal system which is corrupted i am afraid to say.
Just keep your chin up.
Even though I do not know Paula personally like you have, and what a joy that would be, I have felt these same things since all of this started. I have posted similar comments on various Facebook pages (Matt Lauer, Food Network, CNN, Walmart, etc…etc…each one I went to,especially the media and asked them why they haven’t focused their attention on Ms Jackson, who in my opinion has broken the law. She is committing extortion and defamation of character among other things. No one has bothered to turn the focus on her, why? Because she’s nobody, she’s not successful, she’s not wealthy and she’s not a public figure. My heart breaks for you and your family but I know you are strong. I am a firm believer in “what goes around, comes around”. I have cancelled my subscription of both the digital and hard copy Food Network magazine, I will be subscribing to your magazine, and any time I am looking to buy more of your product I will be visiting stitchesndishes.com whenever I am able. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I love your gracious, humane, unconditional loving spirit and I can’t wait to see that beautiful smile on my television in the near future. Love and Peace….Julie
I want to tell a story from my childhood. On my second day of kindergarten I brought a new black friend home from school. I am almost 50 so been awhile, lol. When I introduced Her to my parents, my dad grabbed Her shoulder and marched Her out the door and said I could not play with Her. After She left my Dad whipped my ass with a belt and said to never bring them n—- in His house again. I never did!! I stayed friends with Her at school and explained why we couldn’t hang out after school and she said she understood. 30 years later my Dad was different and wasnt as racist anymore, times changed. I am glad that I didn’t follow in my dads footsteps but I cant say I have never made a comment when someone did me wrong. I just feel that people are giving Paula Deen a bad rap for nothing.
Finally, a voice of reason.
I’ve been blown away this past week by the blood thirst of people, who are acting like a pack of wolves, all wanting their pound of flesh.
I have to say that I’m not a Paula Deen fan. Not because there’s something wrong with her, but because I never heard of her until 2.5 years ago, when I moved temporarily back to Atlanta. And not really watching tv or eating fried food, I just never watched her show.
But I’ve been watching what’s happening, because I just can’t believe what’s going on. Whatever happened to ‘innocent until proven guilty’? Having read the deposition, I suspect, that she, as family members so often do, had total trust in everyone in her family. But her brother is also innocent until proven guilty. So, for all these people to jump on the bandwagon and clearly not having read the depostion, it’s just unbelievable to me.
I almost think there must be something else involved. How can it be that the publisher of her upcoming book, which is no. 1 on Amazon for presales, is pulling out? How is that a bottom line decision? To me it doesn’t make sense business wise.
I was born and raised in Germany and did not grow up with the kind of racism that’s happening in the U.S.. Therefore I know that the n…word is a no-no, but obviously I had no idea of the power of it, especially, when hearing it blasted out of car radios daily in Atlanta.
With Paula’s contract running out on Sunday, I think it would be a brilliant move by Oprah to sign Paula for her OWN Network and also publish her book. Thus, as a black woman who has a lot of power, she can really make some public sense out of this and bring the situation under control. She’d also get a lot of new OWN viewers with Paula’s fans and it’d be a win-win for everyone. My opinion 😉
I don’t personally know Paula, but like many others she feels like family. Dear Family. I’m happy to know that she has extended friends in addition to her blood relatives supporting her. I’ve been very worried about her. Thank You for supporting her in a public forum. She deserves it. We will all wait for her to heal and come back to us!
I’m deeply upset by this terrible event. When it comes to the media they don’t care who they destroy as long as they make news. I’m sure in my heart that it will all turn out okay, unfortunately until then Paula and her family will have to deal with this horrible event. Paula has proved that she is a very strong and determined woman, she’ll survive and be even stronger. She can be very proud of herself as a wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to all of her fans. God bless and be strong, love you
My family supports Paul Dean! I don’t understand why people are so against her without positive proof of this ‘woman’s’ allegations. First of all, the ‘word’ happened how many years ago when a gun was pointed to her head??? Seriously?? How many people when put in that kind of situation would say things they normally wouldn’t say?
Paula and family, you will come out of this. You are all strong and will come out shining in the end! God knows what is in your hearts and he will protect you. I have what I call a FAITH box.
File
All
Intentions
Through
Heaven
It is hard now but things will work out. We all love you Paula!! Our faith is in you!
There never was any doubt in my mind of Paula’s innocence in this matter. I have always admired her and and the wonderful job she has done raising her boys to be the wonderful men they have become. I have always said that you can know the character of a person by the upbringing of their children. That said she is a woman that I would not hesitate to spend time with or support and encourage. My prayers are going up for her and her family in this difficult time. But I am reminded of the false accusations that were made against our Lord. I know that she will weather this storm and come out on top for she is one great Lady. We love you Paula.
Thank you so much for this post! I believe one reason the media has jumped on this with both feet is so that the American people will be distracted from all the scandals surrounding the administration. Just a diversion, and it’s easier because she’s a white lady with a southern accent. We love you, Paula!
So, I told my husband I think it is because she is like a best friend even if she doesn’t know you. I can totally see her coming up to you if you were looking like two drop biscuits in spandex pants from behind and saying, honey, that is not a good look lets go find you a longer shirt. To some that may sound cruel but frankly isn’t it the openness and honesty we seek in friendship. Whatever she did or did not say I think people have to look at intent and context BEFORE judgement. You sir are a gentleman.
I wish other chefs (on FoodNetwork) would show her some support as well!
I have loved watching Paula Deen from the beginning.It makes me sick that one person can try to ruin someones life this easy.I have and will always admire Paula for making a life for her and her sons by selling bag lunches.She is a survivor and will survive these spineless,gutless people that have turned their back on her.She needs to get her attorney to sue for deflamation of character against her.We Love You Paula and I am betting you will survive.Love Your boy also.
Thank you for speaking out in support of Paula. I have no doubt that when all is said and done, Paula will once again rise to the top and regain her place in the cooking and entertainment world. I fully and totally support Paula and will continue to do so. And I echo the words of so many others on this page where her positive, warm and friendly character, personality, charm, etc. are concerned. She truly is a sweet and genuine taste of Southern Hospitality at it’s best. Love you, Paula! God Bless!!
I don’t know Paula. I only know her television persona. But if she is anything like she appears, she is a sweet, kind woman who overcame amazing obstacles to get where she was before some vindictive woman decided to sue her brother and her. Paula even has a letter from the woman thanking her for everything Paula had done for her. The woman is white, by the way, if none of you get that. Why on earth did a judge even allow that “N” word question to be asked? It has nothing to do with Paula. The lawsuit is about her brother. So, Georgia, unless your laws are a whole lot different from what they are here in North Carolina, any part that Paula has in this lawsuit should be immediately dismissed and the costs of defense Paula has suffered, including her loss of income and endorsements, should be taxed against the Plaintiff. So sayeth Judge Joyce! As a half-cuban female who grew up in a small southern town, the race thing should never be an issue. God Bless America. Paula, hold your head up high. Retribution belongs to God, but I have seen Him use it on this earth. The hereafter is real and you will be by the side of the angels.
Thank you!!
Thank you for such a touching letter. Continuing to keep Paula and her family in my prayers.
Thank you so munch for your nice words about Paula Deen.
I just can’t believe people can be so mean spirited & want to ruin this sweet womans life. Thank God there are some goodpeople to make up for the others. Keep your chin up, Paula,it will work out good for you.
WOW! I was so impressed with all you said. Now we come to one point Matt Lauer did not help this on slaught of Media Hype. He went after her to make himself look better because his career is failing. Paula is a kind person and I don’t give a fig what she said in the past. Racist she is not so your words were wonderful and thank you for letting us all know about Aunt Trina and hopefully if we send her love and prayers she will pull through. Thank you for Supporting Paula Deen. God Bless Aunt Trina…Prayers girl!
Well said.