SPEAK OUT: Does Paula Deen Deserve Her Losses? Target, Home Depot Cut Ties

In the wake of the controversy involving Paula Deen, racial controversy and her tearful interview on NBC News' TODAY show, more companies are severing relationships with the Southern celebrity chef.

Retailers Target Corp., Home Depot Inc. and Walmart Stores, Inc., along with diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk, will be either dropping sponsorship of Deen or distancing themselves, according to the Associated Press.

Molly Snyder, a Target spokeswoman, told AP that its stores and website will not be restocking Paula Deen-branded cookware and other items once they run out.

Home Depot took more immediate action by pulling all products off its website on Wednesday, according to Forbes. Diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk also told AP that it and Deen agreed to suspend its education activities, which Deen also confirmed via Twitter.

In addition, Caesars Entertainment is dropping Deen's name from four of its buffet restaurants, while pork producer Smithfield Foods is also removing Deen as a spokeswoman, AP reports. Food Network will not be renewing her contract.

Nevertheless, Deen's books on Amazon.com have seen huge jumps in sales, AP says, with several books out of stock, as of Thursday afternoon.

Plus, those who support Deen despite the controversy have taken to social media, creating Facebook pages and tweeting supportive messages, including one from Donald Trump: "Paula Deen made a big mistake in using a forbidden word but must be given some credit for admitting her mistake. She will be back!"

In another message, @williams_momma tweeted, "I support @Paula_Deen! We all deserve the chance to learn and grow into the person we want to be without our past stopping our future."

Some companies, including Landies Candies in Buffalo, NY, and Tasty Blends Foods of Frasiers Bottom, WVA, are even issuing statements saying they forgive Deen for using a racial slur and praise her response, according to USA TODAY.

A former manager at Deen's restaurants in Savannah, GA, sued Deen and her brother for sexual and racial harassment last week, CNN reports. Deen said in her deposition that she has used the N-word, creating a national furor.

During her 13-minute interview on the TODAY show, according to People.com, Deen said: "I've had wonderful support from Rev. [Jesse] Jackson, and I tell ya what: If there's anyone out there that has never said something that they wish they could take back, if you are out there, please pick up that stone and throw it so hard at me that it kills me. Please, I want to meet you … I is what I is, and I'm not changing."

Deen also told TODAY's Matt Lauer that she was not a racist and didn't know if people were offended by the N-word.

There are five Target stores in the Baltimore area, including those in Towson (1238 Putty Hill Ave.), and Pikesville (1737 Reisterstown Road).

Watch Deen's interview on the TODAY show or above.

TELL US: Which side are you on? Do you support Paula Deen or use her products? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.