SAVANNAH, Ga. – Paula Deen announced Thursday that she has cut business ties with the agent who helped make her a Food Network star and launch a merchandising empire that has largely crumbled in the wake of her admission that she used racial slurs in the past.
Deen had worked with New York agent Barry Weiner for more than a decade. She has said he was instrumental in getting her show “Paula’s Home Cooking” on the Food Network in 2002. She gave no reason for parting with Weiner in a prepared statement.
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“Paula Deen has separated from her agent,” Deen’s spokeswoman, Elana Weiss, said in an email Thursday. “She and her family thank him for the tireless effort and dedication over the many years.”
Deen’s breakup with one of her key partners comes after a turbulent two weeks that have left the celebrity chef’s network of business deals in shambles. It all started within days of the disclosure of a legal deposition in which Deen admitted to having used the N-word.
Weiner worked to turn Deen into a comfort-food queen since she was little more than a Savannah restaurant owner and self-publisher of cookbooks who earned raves for her fried chicken.
In her book “Paula Deen: It Ain’t All About the Cookin,”‘ Deen recalled meeting Weiner through TV producer Gordon Elliott, who was convinced they could turn her into a star.
Asked in a deposition if she had ever used the N-word, Deen replied: “Yes, of course.” That she also insisted “it’s been a very long time” seemed to matter little to the companies paying to use her name and image.
Actress weds football player
LOS ANGELES – Kerry Washington, the star of TV’s “Scandal,” married professional football player Nnamdi Asomugha last week in Hailey, Idaho.
Washington, 36, and Asomugha were married June 24, E! reported Wednesday.
Washington’s recent credits include “Django Unchained.” Asomugha is a cornerback with the San Francisco 49ers.
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