Paula Deen's Teary Interview VIDEO: Celebrity Chef Breaks Down in First Interview Since N-Word Controversy
Paula Deen sat down for her first TV interview since she was let go from the Food Network after admitting to using the N-word in a court deposition.
The celebrity chef appeared on Wednesday's Today to speak out about the claims made against her.
Last week, she canceled her scheduled sit-down with the show at the last minute, told Matt Lauer, "I'm here today because I want people to know who I am."
Deen said she has used the N-word only once in her life and she's "not" racist.
"I know my love for people, and I'm not going to sit here and tell everything I've done for people of color," she added.
Asked if she knew the N-word was offensive to black people, Deen said, "I don't know, I have asked myself that so many times."
She added: "I go into my kitchens and hear what these young people are calling each other... 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 admitted she is "heartbroken" over the controversy and began crying.
Deen made the admission of using the N-word during a sworn deposition in connection with a discrimination lawsuit brought by a former employee, who said she was in a hostile work environment filled with innuendo and racial slurs. Deen has apologized for the remarks.
On June 21, Deen released a video statement giving her mea culpa for using racial slurs.
"I want to apologize to everybody for the wrong that I've done," she said. "I want to learn and grow from this. Inappropriate, hurtful language is totally, totally unacceptable."
In a longer video posted later in the afternoon, Deen, appearing more composed, said, "I've spent the best part of 24 years to help myself and others. Your color of your skin, your religion, your sexual preference does not matter."
Later that day, Deen was dropped from the Food Network after 11 years.
Hours after word got out that Food Network did not renew Deen's contract for her use of racial slurs, the celebrity chef issued a statement of gratitude to the network. She first thanked the network for "11 great years" and went on to describe the experiences it allowed her to have.
"I have had the pleasure of being allowed into so many homes across the country and meeting people who have shared with me the most touching and personal stories," she said. "This would not have been possible without the Food Network. Thank you again. Love and best dishes to all of y'all."
Home shopping corporation QVC has announced that are "reviewing [their] business relationship with Ms. Deen" in the wake of the scandal. QVC currently features Paula Deen's Kitchen, which sells the star's collection of cookbooks and cookware.
In a statement, a rep for QVC said, "QVC shares the concerns being raised around the unfortunate Paula Deen situation. QVC does not tolerate discriminatory behavior. We are closely monitoring these events and the ongoing litigation. We are reviewing our business relationship with Ms. Deen, and in the meantime, we have no immediate plans to have her appear on QVC."
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