Eight days after revelations of Paula Deen's racially insensitive remarks first came to light in the National Enquirer, fallout continues for the Queen of Southern Cuisine.
On Thursday afternoon, home-shopping network QVC announced on its blog that it would be "taking a pause" from its relationship with Deen. CEO Mike George said that Deen would not be appearing on the channel in the immediate future, and that QVC would phase out her products over the next couple months. He explained:
We all think it’s important, at this moment, for Paula to concentrate on responding to the allegations against her and on her path forward.
Some of you may wonder whether this is a “forever” decision – whether we are simply ending our association with Paula. We don’t think that’s how relationships work. People deserve second chances. And we always strive to do the right thing.
The move comes several days after the company said it was "reviewing its options" regarding its involvement with Deen -- and just hours after pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk announced it would terminate its relationship with the chef.
As of Thursday evening, the QVC website still listed 130 products branded with Paula Deen's name, ranging in price from a 12-piece stainless steel set of cookware for $129.99 to a melamine ladle available in three colors for just $6.99.
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