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Published On: Tue, Jun 25th, 2013

Paula Deen loses Smithfield endorsement deal, QVC, Sears and Target may drop her also

Just after learning the Food Network will not renew her contract, Paula Deen has lost her Smithfield Foods endorsement deal and many others may follow as well.

Paula Deen Smithfield photoSmithfield sold Paula Deen-branded hams in addition to using her as a spokeswoman. In a statement, the company said it “condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen.”

QVC also said it was reviewing its deal with Paula Deen Enterprises to sell the star’s cookbooks and cookware.

“QVC shares the concerns being raised around the unfortunate Paula Deen situation,” QVC said in a statement. “We are closely monitoring these events and the ongoing litigation. We are reviewing our business relationship with Ms. Deen, and in the meantime, we have no immediate plans to have her appear on QVC.”

Sears Holdings Corp. said it “is currently exploring next steps as they pertain to Ms. Deen’s products.” Target Corp. said it is “evaluating the situation.” Meyer Corp., which produces the cookware under the Paula Deen brand, declined to comment.

Marty Brochstein, senior vice president of The Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, a trade group, said stores may have a tougher time determining whether to cut ties with Deen than Smithfield and the Food Network, where she has a public role.

“Once you take the wrapper off, her name isn’t necessarily on every piece of merchandise,” Brochstein said. “As a retailer or as a licensee, you have to evaluate. But you’re probably not going to gain anything by overreacting.”

Brochstein said that stores are likely closely watching sales of the merchandise and monitoring social media as they gauge how consumers are responding.

 

The backlash is in response to lawsuit Deen’s former “right hand” which asserts to worker intimidation, slurs and jokes about women, Jews and blacks.

 Deen herself made comments years ago and a joke over five years ago, which she had previously apologized for.

 

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  1. Paula Deen ‘race-based’ lawsuit by Lisa Jackson thrown out of court - The Global Dispatch says:

    […] A transcript of the legal deposition became public in June, and the backlash against Deen caused the Food Network and other corporate sponsors and business partners to drop her. More details here. […]

  2. CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON says:

    Food Network AND BUSINESSES WHICH “DROP” Paula Deen ARE FOOLS.

    IN REFERENCE TO Food Network, IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING Ms. Deen’s show WAS THE ONLY NETWORK PROGRAM WHICH FOCUSED ON CAUCASIAN SOUTHERN-CUISINE. [The Neelys’ have a black southern-cuisine show]. SO, WHO WILL THE NETWORK GET TO “COVER” THAT NICHE AND HAVE CREDIBILITY? AS A FAN OF COUNTRY MUSIC, SINGERS OFTEN SING ABOUT “Mama being in the kitchen and the smell of cornbread in the oven,” etc. ONLY A MATURE CAUCASIAN LADY WITH GREYING HAIR CAN BE A CREDIBLE TELEVISION-CHEF OF SOUTHERN CUISINE.

    THESE COMPANIES WILL EXPERIENCE A FINANCIAL “BACKLASH” FOR LETTING Ms. Deen GO.

    CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON

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