Paula Deen re-scheduled for 'Today' on Wednesday
Smithfield drops Paula Deen, who is re-scheduled for 'Today' interview Wednesday after no-show
FILE - This 2006 file photo originally released by the Food Network shows celebrity chef Paula Dean. Paula Deen’s fans are serving up deep-fried outrage to the Food Network for its decision to dump the Southern comfort food queen after she acknowledged using racial slurs in the past. (AP Photo/ Food Network, file)
NEW YORK (AP) -- Smithfield Foods is dropping Paula Deen as a spokeswoman.
The announcement Monday came days after the Food Network said it would not renew Deen's contract. Deen admitted using racial slurs in the past in a deposition that came to light last week in a discrimination lawsuit.
In a statement, Smithfield said it "condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind."
Deen was scheduled to appear on NBC's "Today" show on Wednesday, according to host Matt Lauer. Last week she abruptly canceled on the morning show.
While questioned last month in a discrimination lawsuit, the 66-year-old Food Network star admitted to using the N-word in the past, but she insisted she and her family do not tolerate prejudice.
