'Dancing with the Stars' Season 17 Cast: Paula Deen Turns Down Offer to Compete on ABC Series
Former Food Network star Paula Deen turned down an offer to compete on the ABC competition Dancing with the Stars, a source told Us Weekly in its latest issue hitting newsstands Friday.
"The dance floor is not the appropriate forum for her," explained a Deen source.
The 66-year-old Paula's Best Dishes host was dropped by the Food Network in June after she admitted to once using the N-word during a videotaped deposition. She has since lost multiple endorsement deals though she apologized for making racial remarks, explaining in a released statement that she was born and raised in the South during a time when her use of the slur was acceptable.
Professional dancer Cheryl Burke said she loved the idea of casting Deen in the ABC competition, saying in July, "Right now, lots of controversial things are happening around her and her situation, and I think coming on something light and fun would be good for her."
"I think you'd probably see a different side of her, and I think she would be a great addition to the cast," Burke told ET Canada on July 16.
Deen was previously offered a chance to be on the show. She said in April 2010 that Dancing With the Stars' producers asked her to compete but she turned down the offer at that time as well, citing her "catfish arms" and "muffin top" as reasons.
"They did ask me and I said no," she told Extra at the time. "Fat girls don't look good sweating!"
Season 17 of Dancing With the Stars returns Monday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. Unlike previous seasons, there will be no results show on Tuesday nights. The new cast will be announced Sept. 4 on Good Morning America.
