Roughly a month after she was deposed as part of a $1.2 million lawsuit, transcripts of Paula Deen’s time with lawyers leaked today, and the food all-star’s words have caused quite a star. From admitting she’s used the N-word to admitting she wanted African-American waiters to behave like Civil War era slaves during a wedding, many of the exchanges between Deen and the lawyer for former Paula’s Oyster House manager Lisa Jackson were brimming with scandalous statements and accusations.
After telling the lawyer she used the N-word all the way back in 1986 following a bank hold-up in which an African-American male held a gun to her temple, she was asked whether she has used the word any times since. Deen admitted she has but couldn’t remember any specific instances, which led to this exchange, transcribed here courtesy of TMZ. …
Lawyer: Well, then tell me the other context in which you've used the N-word?Paula: I don't know, maybe in repeating something that was said to me.Lawyer: Like a joke?Paula: No, probably a conversation between blacks. I don't -- I don't know. But that's just not a word that we use as time has gone on. Things have changed since the '60s in the south. And my children and my brother object to that word being used in any cruel or mean behavior. As well as I do.
Deen seems to be making the argument that times have changed and she has evolved with them. Anyone who grew up in the South can certainly attest to how much has changed, but people will have very different opinions on how much that matters or excuses prior behavior.
Jackson’s lawsuit alleges racist and sexist attitudes were prevalent during her time working in Deen's restaurant. The above quote is flying around social media, as many are alleging it is evidence of racial insensitivity from the famous chef.
Here’s to hoping, after all the legal maneuvering, we find out Deen’s biggest issue is still making people fat, not looking down on minority groups.
