The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina has severed its relationship with Paula Deen after the celebrity chef apologized for using a racial slur. As part of a $630 million expansion of the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort, the tribe opened a Paula Deen restaurant and retail shop at the facility last year. The eatery will remain open but with a new menu immediately and a new name in the coming weeks. Deen admitted to using a racial slur in the past during a deposition for a discrimination lawsuit. She also made insensitive comments about the legacy of slavery in the South, according to a transcript that was posted on numerous websites. Deen apologized but has lost a slew of business deals, including one with Caesars Entertainment, which owns Harrah’s, the company that manages the Eastern Cherokee casino. Get the Story:
Cherokee casino to rebrand Deen restaurant (The Asheville Citizen-Times 6/27)
Cherokee casino's Paula Deen restaurant to get new name (Fox Carolina 6/26)
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