Since her racist deposition was leaked to the media last week, Paula Deen’s personal and professional life has been in freefall.

Appearing on the Today Show this morning (after no-showing last Friday), Deen broke down while defending herself against accusations of racism.

Deen maintains that she is absolutely NOT a racist.

From the Huffington Post:

Lauer asked Deen if “given the same circumstances, would you have fired you?” She paused and then responded “No.” He also asked her if she was a racist, which she also said no. “The day I used that word was a world ago — I had a gun put to my head.”

When asked whether people find the n-word racist, Deen said, “I don’t know, I have asked myself that so many times. I go into my kitchens and hear what these young people are calling each other. It’s very distressing for me. I think for this problem to be worked on these young people are gonna have to take control and start showing respect for each other.”

Deen appeared extremely distressed at times, but was also adamant about her personal views and ethics. “I know my love for people, and im not going to sit here and tell everything I’ve done for people of color,” she states. “I would never hurt anyone on purpose.”

Read more at the Huffington Post

 

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