Paula Deen dropped a scheduled interview with the “Today Show” on Friday following reports that she’s facing a discrimination suit.
“Today Show” host Matt Lauer told viewers that he spoke with Deen Thursday to arrange the exclusive interview. Deen’s publicist later told the program that although Deen flew to New York, she was too exhausted from traveling to make the appearance. The publicist told Lauer Deen is “in the hotel.”
The Food Network chef gave a videotaped deposition for the lawsuit last month in which she outlined her vision for a “southern style wedding” for her brother, complete with a wait staff of “middle-aged black men” in crisp suits and bow ties. Deen also admitted to using the N word in a non-“mean way.”
The Food Network said in a statement that it will “continue to monitor the situation.”
‘Paula Deen was scheduled to do an interview with us this morning, live in our studio, but we just found out, she’s a no show’ – @mlauer
— TODAY (@todayshow) June 21, 2013
Hoping to get more info on the Paula Deen situation soon. Very confusing.
— Matt Lauer (@MLauer) June 21, 2013
Here’s video of Lauer addressing the Deen interview:
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This post has been updated.
