Paula Deen proclaimed she was “back in the saddle” and ready for a comeback at this weekend’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami, but her audience appeal isn’t what it used to be.
The Southern chef downed tequila and rode fellow chef Robert Irvine like a horse during a beachside cooking demo Sunday afternoon.
She also apologized again for last year’s racial slur scandal, telling the crowd, “I have heard on more than one occasion . . . that I’ve never apologized. So if anybody did not hear me apologize, I would like to apologize to those who did not hear me.”
Several noted that seats for Deen’s demo were only half full, when in past years “it was standing room only.”
Deen is mounting a comeback after she admitted last year to using a racial slur, resulting in her losing publishing and endorsement deals.
Her Food Network contract was not renewed.
Remorseful Paula just signed a reported $75 million deal with financial firm Najafi Co. to fund her books, restaurants and other ventures, and many expect she’ll soon shop another show.