Eastern Cherokees cut ties with Paula Deen after racial flap

Thursday, June 27, 2013

A screenshot of the Paula Deen's Kitchen page at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino.

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)