Paula Deen’s Magazine Publisher Stands by Embattled Star

Although Paula Deen has been dropped by the Food Network and numerous other corporate backers, her Cooking With Paula Deen bimonthly magazine will continue to be published by Hoffman Media.

“Hoffman Media has worked closely with Ms. Deen since 2005,” said Eric Hoffman, executive vp and COO for the Birmingham, Ala.-based publisher, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “The recent images portrayed by the media do not reflect the person we know on a personal or a professional level.”

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“We are aware of the hurt that has been generated in the media in recent weeks,” Hoffman stated. “To be clear, Hoffman Media does not condone the use of offensive, discriminatory language or behavior. With that said, we feel that Ms. Deen’s apology for past indiscretions was heartfelt and genuine.”

Deen has been under fire for her admitted use of the N-word in a deposition in a discrimination lawsuit filed against her. Cooking With Paula Deen, a food recipe and lifestyle publication, has a rate base circulation of about 400,000, according to its 2012 media kit.

While the celebrity chef’s magazine will continue, Deen’s latest cookbook has been canceled prior to its October release. 

“After careful consideration, Ballantine Books has made the difficult decision to cancel the publication of Paula Deen’s New Testament: 250 Favorite Recipes, All Lightened Up,” said the Random House imprint in a statement on Friday. 

Other business partners that Deen has recently lost include Walmart, Kmart, Sears, Caesars Entertainment and Smithfield Foods.

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