Speak Out: Paula Deen and the N-Word

Celebrity chef Paula Deen has reportedly admitted in pre-trial court depositions that she has used racial slurs, including the N-word, at various points in her life. 

Deen said in the civil court deposition that she had used racial slurs in her lifetime, but that it had been "very long time" since she had done so. 
Deen also said she told racially insensitive jokes, and that she once expressed affinity for an all-black restaurant wait staff that reminded her of the segregated South.

"Things have changed since the '60s in the south," Deen said. "And my children and my brother object to that word being used in any cruel or mean behavior. As well as I do."

"Most — most jokes are about Jewish people, rednecks, black folks," Deen said. "Most jokes target — I don't know. I didn't make up the jokes, I don't know. I can't -- I don't know."

The revelation is creating a public relations nightmare for the Savannah soul food maven, and it is stirring frank discussions about race on social networks.

Deen, her brother and their restaurant enterprises are being sued by a former employee who alleges sexual harassment and wrongful termination. 

The employee is not alleging Deen's racial comments were directed at her, but the plaintiff included the allegation of such comments, and charges that Deen's brother viewed pornography at work, in her complaint.

SPEAK OUT? Do Deen's comments change your opinion about the celebrity chef? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.