Paula Deen’s sons defend mother, says she is not a racist (Video)

Bobby Deen, the son of embattled celebrity chef Paula Deen, went on CNN’s New Day program this morning to defend his mother, stressing that she is not a racist and that their parents never taught their children to be racist. The interview comes just after Deen was dropped by another brand and before she’s slated to appear on NBC’s Today Show herself.

“Neither one of our parents ever taught us to be bigoted toward any other person for any reason,” Bobby Deen told host Chris Cuomo. “Our mother is one of the most compassionate, good-hearted, empathetic people that you'd ever meet. These accusations are very hurtful to her, and it's very sad.”

Deen’s life exploded just a week ago after the National Enquirer published a deposition in which she admitted to using the n-word. The deposition had been recorded in connection with a lawsuit against her over racism and abuse at one of her restaurants. The food Network has since decided not to renew her contract and her relationship with QVC is in jeopardy. She’s also been dropped by Smithfield Foods.

“I'm disgusted by the entire thing, because it began as extortion and it has become character assassination,” Bobby Deen said on CNN. Bobby and Jamie Deen are also members of their mother’s business empire, with their own cooking shows.

Jamie added that it is “completely absurd to think there is an environment of racism in our business, and it's really disrespectful to the people that we work with.” He explained that, “We have strong, educated men and women of character that have been with us for five, 10, 15, 20 years. To think they would allow themselves to be in this position is simply baloney. It's ridiculous.”

Deen is appearing on the Today Show herself tomorrow morning.

Here is their interview on CNN:

image: CNN screenshot