Paula Deen's career took a major hit in 2013 after she admitted in a court deposition to having used racial slurs, including the N-word, in the past. This admission came during a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging racial and sexual discrimination. Although the racial discrimination claims were dismissed, the public backlash was swift and severe. As a result, Food Network dropped her, and she lost numerous endorsement deals with major brands like Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Sears, and JCPenney
. Following the scandal, Deen apologized publicly but faced significant professional and financial consequences, including an estimated $12 million loss in canceled deals. Her brother's restaurant, Uncle Bubba's Oyster House, also closed in 2014 amid the fallout
. Despite this, Paula Deen has managed to rebuild her career over the years. She launched her own digital network, continued publishing cookbooks and a magazine, and operates several restaurants under the Paula Deen's Family Kitchen brand in multiple locations. Her social media following has grown, and she remains active in the culinary world with TV appearances and live tours
. In summary, Paula Deen was effectively "canceled" in 2013 due to her admission of past racial slur use and related lawsuits but has since regained a measure of success through her own ventures and loyal fanbase.
