ReDEENmption?
Pop singer Justin Bieber’s string of juvenile antics, NFL star Aaron Hernandez’s murder charge, and celebrity chef Paula Deen’s racially insensitive remarks are some of the recent celebrity scandals to rock the tabloids this summer. These controversies highlight the risk of brand partnerships with celebrities. Since Deen admitted to using the N-word in a legal deposition, she has lost endorsements worth over $12 million from canceled or suspended deals with the Food Network, Smithfield Foods, Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, J.C. Penney, Sears, QVC, Home Depot, Caesars Entertainment and diabetes drug company Novo Nordisk.
In our recent poll, however, over 70% of respondents who were aware of the "Queen of Southern Cuisine" reported that despite her derogatory comments, they would support Paula in some fashion as a marketer, either whole-heartedly or through the fulfillment of contractual obligations. The resurrection of formerly disgraced public figures such as Martha Stewart, Tiger Woods and Robert Downey Jr. proves that fans are forgiving and are willing to root for a comeback story. Cheryl Burke, a professional dancer on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars believes the dance floor would be a perfect “stage” for Paula’s redemption. “I think you’d probably see a different side of [Paula Deen] and I think she would make a great addition to the cast.”
Amid scandal, what do YOU think is the best way for a public figure to repair his/her image? Share your thoughts!
7/22/2016 6:04 PM
I think that she should be a nicer person and apologize.
1/15/2016 2:51 PM
I think that dedicating themselves to working for Outstanding causes and charities are the best way to redeem themselves and show they care about others.
10/26/2015 2:42 AM
10/6/2015 1:11 PM
Idk Who she is. But I think you all are being a bunch of hipocrites. Black people use the N word all the time. You are being racist to say that a white woman cannot do the same thing as a black person!
3/12/2019 7:42 PM
Given the history no one should say it and people are automatically offended by what she said because that word coming from the mouth of a Caucasian person is very disrespectful and it's very disrespectful for an African American to say it too
8/6/2015 2:05 PM
I have no support for paula she said what she said cause thats the person she is i dont understand why everyone is being so forgiving wen clearly not being true with her apology she jus wants to continue making money
7/1/2015 12:41 PM
leave the industry with a large amount of funds and settle down
6/6/2015 10:10 PM
To get a better image she should donate to more charities and do good stuff
3/1/2015 8:18 PM
I think she should change. But that's just my opinion. I agree with the whole thing.
2/11/2015 10:51 AM
im not going to try and defend anyone but just make a general statement. there are many people who have said a word that wasn't socially acceptable to someone. be they black, white, yellow, brown, tax or whatever and if we wanted everyone to be fired, run out of town or some other fate it would be a very vacant world. i try to judge the person by the body of their work not by one statement. i have lost my temper at times and said something in that fit of mad that wasn't me. we have all done that but i don't want to be judge on that time nor judge someone else. again, look at the person for what they have done in their life not a single act of poor judgement.
11/11/2014 1:28 PM
I dont understand
3/1/2014 2:05 PM
Think they done her totally wrong for saying one wrong thing 30 yrs ago sad sad sad...
8/7/2013 9:37 PM
I think she is an amazing cook, she made a mistake. Everyone is in title to have their own opinion and I'm sure she knows she made the biggest mistake of her life.
7/24/2013 7:16 AM
I don't think anything will change this person. She grew up in the South and racism is still part of her life. She was taught not to trust people of color, and I'm also willing to bet her family had a lot of slaves back in the day. I also bet she has a black house maid and servants. Her saying she only used the "N" word once is just ridiculous and no one believes her. That type of language is used in her everyday life and she uses it as part of her everyday vocabulary. Who she's trying to kid? And all those crocodile tears that never fell on the Today Show just shows you that it's all BS and she's just trying to save her butt!!! The only ones that are behind her are the woman of the south and mid western woman who don't know what's going on with the rest of the world anyway, lol. No offence to anyone except Deen!!!!!
7/21/2013 11:41 PM
to start new and be a better person