Paula Deen’s scandal has widened: The celebrity chef was dropped by sponsor Smithfield Foods, a global pork company, after her show was canceled by the Food Network.
The celebrity chef has faced a bevy of criticism over a deposition in which she admitted to using racial slurs in the past.
“Smithfield condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen,” Smithfield said in a statement obtained by ABC News.
It added that “Smithfield is determined to be an ethical food industry leader and it is important that our values and those of our spokespeople are properly aligned.”
Deen has been a spokesperson with Smithfield since 2006.
In the deposition, Deen admitted to using a racial slur targeting African-Americans after a former manager at her restaurant filed a racial and sexual discrimination suit against the chef.
Over the past few days, Deen released several apology videos on YouTube but had to cancel an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show. Deen had said she was “physically unable” to attend an interview in person.
The Huffington Post reported that Deen will appear on the morning show Wednesday.
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