Logo

Paula Deen Says She Identifies With ‘That Black Football Player’

Feb 27, 2014  •  Post A Comment

Paula Deen, whose television career and sponsorship deals took a hit after she admitted to using a racial epithet, said she identifies with “that black football player who recently came out,” reports TheWrap.com, citing a People magazine cover story.

“I feel like ‘embattled’ or ‘disgraced’ will always follow my name. It’s like that black football player who recently came out,” Deen said. “He said, ‘I just want to be known as a football player. I don’t want to be known as a gay football player.’ I know exactly what he’s saying.”

The reference was apparently to the first openly gay NFL prospect, Michael Sam of the University of Missouri.

"And since television personalities Phil Robertson (‘Duck Dynasty’) and Nigella Lawson (‘The Taste’) endured scandals last year without any noticeable damage to their careers, Deen has developed newfound ’empathy’ for those scrutinized by the media," the report adds.

Said Deen: “It’s amazing that some people are given passes and some people are crucified. I have new empathy for these situations, though. My dad always told me, ‘Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.’”

The former Food Network star told People magazine that she’s “fighting to get my name back.”

"I used to have dreams that I lost everything," she said. "And when it finally happens, you think, ‘I’m still alive.’”
Deen is hoping to revive her business, following a $75 million-$100 million deal with private investment firm Najafi Companies, People notes.

TheWrap notes that a rep for Deen’s new company, Paula Deen Ventures, "said earlier this month that it is currently speaking with several ‘TV networks, retail chains and other possible partners.’ Food Network is not one of them."

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for paula-deen.jpgPaula Deen

4 Comments

  1. Old dogs, new tricks – yadda yadda yadda. Hey Paula, if you still want to be a celebrity, you need to figure out that it’s not always what you think or believe or even how you hear yourself. It’s how the world hears you….

  2. Yes Bill – please heed your own advice. What people say sometimes ISN’T what YOU want to hear.
    She’s right – Robertson and Lawson were excused for saying what they think and believe and the world heard them the same as they heard Paula. yadda yadda yadda.

  3. Heed my own advice? I’m not a celebrity and don’t have near as much at stake – apples and oranges DC (or is it Ms. Oracle?).
    The in the story haven’t fallen back in the same mess – in an interview with a magazine she should’ve known better than to say ANYTHING was black.
    Oh and by the way – Phil Robertson and Nigella Lawson aren’t agreeing to, or pursuing, People magazine interviews either.
    P.S. Don’t address me by name if you’re going to be a coward and use a pseudonym.

  4. Hi Bill,
    I’ll state this again because it’s the point.
    Robertson and Lawson were excused for saying what they think and believe and the world heard them the same as they heard Paula. Both endured the scandals last year without any noticeable damage to their careers. Can the same be said for Paula’s.
    Apples and Oranges indeed.
    I suppose you’re right, she shouldn’t try to talk about THAT because it’s clear, “The in the story haven’t fallen back in the same mess.” (?????????)
    Have a great weekend Bill

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)