*Sears Holdings, which owns Sears and Kmart, said Friday that both retailers would be cutting ties with Paula Deen in the wake of her racism controversy.
“After careful consideration of all available information, we have made the decision to phase out all products tied to [Paula Deen’s] brand,” reads the statement, first obtained by TMZ. It added, however, “We will continue to evaluate the situation.”
Both stores currently carry Deen’s cookware and dishware lines.
Kmart and Sears follows Home Depot, Target, Walmart, Smithfield Foods, Caesars Entertainment, Novo Nordisk, QVC Deen and The Food Network who have cut ties with Dean.
The celebrity chef has faced widespread outrage and dwindling endorsement deals since a deposition was released last week in which she admitted to in the past using the N-word and discussing her wish to mount a “true Southern plantation-style” wedding with black servants.
But it’s not all bad for Deen. Her forthcoming cookbook has surged to the top of Amazon’s best-seller list, and fans continue to buy tickets to her 2014 cruise.
Also, the publisher of her “Cooking with Paula Deen” announced today that the bimonthly magazine will continue to be published by Hoffman Media.
“Hoffman Media has worked closely with Ms. Deen since 2005,” said Eric Hoffman, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the Birmingham, Alabama-based, Hoffman Media 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.”
“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.”
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