Paula Deen’s empire has taken two more costly hits – now seven in all.
Target has announced that it is ending its relationship with Deen as fallout builds from revelations that the celebrity chef used racial slurs in the past.
The discounter, based in Minneapolis, said that it will phase out its Paula Deen-branded cookware and other items in its stores as well as on Target.com.
The company says that once the merchandise is sold out, it will not be replenishing the inventory.
The announcement comes as diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk says it and Deen have “mutually agreed to suspend our patient education activities for now while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed.”
“Novo Nordisk would like to acknowledge Paula’s involvement in our ‘Diabetes in a New Light’ campaign, where she has helped make many people aware of type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle changes needed to control this serious disease.”
Deen, who has type 2 diabetes, had been a spokesperson for Nordisk’s diabetes drug Victoza. The change in tune is a surprising move as the pharmaceutical company originally backed their client.
In an initial statement, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson said, “We do not condone racial intolerance of any kind and have spoken to Paula about her comments in the deposition. While she takes a more proactive approach to clearing up her comments, our focus will continue to be to provide the best care possible to all of our patients where we work and live.”
Perhaps her approach – a blubbering “Today” show interview in which she denied allegations of racism – did not work for them.
Walmart, Home Depot and casino giant Caesar’s Entertainment announced yesterday that they were terminating partnerships with the scandal-plagued chef. The Food Network and Smithfield Foods have also severed ties.
Sears and QVC said they were evaluating their relationships with Deen late last week.
With AP