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Subscribe to RSSWhen Paula Deen revealed to Al Roker that she had type-2 diabetes in January, response from the public was fast, furious and largely negative.
Now, just over a month later, Deen says that she was taken aback by the reaction.
“I think it was from a few people that were kinda mean about it and hold it against me,” she told TODAY. “But the people that care for me, Al, they came out like you wouldn’t believe, and they were the people that I care about.”
The Food Network star drew criticism for keeping the diagnosis secret for three years, all while promoting her brand of rich, indulgent dishes.
"It took me 20 years to come out and stand up and say, 'Hey, my name's Paula and I'm agoraphobic,'" she said, defending herself to the Associated Press Friday. "I was so ashamed, so embarrassed. So to do it in two-and-a-half years, I thought it was pretty good."
Deen also made her disclosure at the same time she announced her endorsement deal with Nova Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that supplies her diabetes medication.
Paula Deen: Diabetes diagnosis won't change how I cook
On the night of the announcement, in a tweet heard ‘round the world, outspoken chef Anthony Bourdain posted, “Thinking of getting into the leg-breaking business, so I can profitably sell crutches later."
Today, Bourdain had more to say. Referring to Deen's on-air remark, he tweeted, "'Some people were kind(a) mean..' Some people were kind of greedy."
“Top Chef” judge Hugh Acheson, “Bizarre Foods” host Andrew Zimmern and Jose Andres were among the many famous food personalities who publicly chastised Deen for the way she handled the announcement. And Deen’s longtime publicist Nancy Assuncao quit over the controversy.
TODAY viewers, chefs and fans react to Paula Deen admission
“It was tough,” Deen’s son Bobby told Roker. “I think that when someone comes out and announces that they have an illness and people pile on, it really says something about maybe who’s doing the talking.”
Deen, 65, added that she has “broad shoulders” to deal with the backlash, and even tried to find a silver lining, calling the fact that she’s lived this long “a blessing.”
“I feel like God has given me a blessing, because my mother and daddy died very young, and I’m so proud that I lived long enough to be a member of the baby boomers and to have to deal with something like this,” she said.
Deen told the Associated Press that she now plans to include some healthier recipes on her show, "Paula's Home Cooking," but due to production schedules, it may be up to two years before viewers see those episodes.
Leave a Comment:
Regardless of what it is, society will have both positive and negative responses to any situation for a person that is in the public eye... Those who don't have diabetes do not understand the troubles we go through with just that alone... I challenge any person to take control of their diets and eat like a diabetic, you will understand everything if you do. Maybe it was wrong waiting for 3 years, but that was her choice, not Americas. Good luck to you, I hope that you utilize this towards your advantage!!! I am hoping to get some ideas to light as well, there are no diabetic shows on, I have written people to see about making one, just need someone to open a door for me to make it a reality!!!
I don't hate on Paula. She is what she is. Personally being from the South, I think she milks that "yall" to death. I certainly use it as do my friends. but NEVER to the extent she does. But again, part of her package I guess. Just not my cup of tea. My main issue with her is not hiding the illness. That is totally her business, but to announce it at the same time she is raking in the money from the drug company just doesn't pass the smell test. She has pretty much prostituted her name when she is known as a cook, but suddenly has her own line of lay-z-boys, home linens, and lord knows everything ever made for the kitchen. She is making the money while she can. Just be a little more genuine about it.
I totally agree with you wives fan. It's not "hiding" her illness that bothers me. She's entitled to privacy regarding her health/medical issues just like any other person is. It's the profit that bothers me. She promotes these dishes drenched in butter and fat--which are delicious, don't get me wrong, and we're all adults here, we know what eating that kind of food does to us--but for her to keep silent while still promoting that type of lifestyle and THEN making money off the drugs--that just does not fly with me. I like Paula. My family is Southern. I love that kind of food, though I know it is not healthy and I do not eat it regularly. It is an occasional indulgence for me. Why could she not have done a revamp like her son in his new show, and made her favorite foods but healthier? Or just come out and admit it, but not endorse any particular drug publicly so as to avoid this controversy? It definitely was handled poorly by Paula, and I think she needs to accept the criticism and use it to make her stronger.
It wasn't right or wrong waiting 3 years to tell anyone what her illness is. The only thing I had a problem with was she was making food that she could not eat and made us believe she was still eating that way. Knowing how unhealthy the food she was making the last 3 years and didn't try to make her T.V. show's food healthy for the people she claims are her friends, family and fans. It's the American's way making money and only worrying about yourself.
The reason she was attacked was b/c she is white and from the south.
Who attacked her? YANKEES DID!!!! Also some left coasties piled on too. Typical.
Racism against white southerns is acceptable and promoted by the liberal media, I bet money they have info. she is a repub.
Using ya'll all the time annoys the hell out of me too---and i'm from the south! So i dont like her much either---b/c she is fake, but shes ok, i dont hate her.
Just b/c she cooks bad for you food ......so what? Name a chef that dont on tv! No health food shows allowed.
Why dont these liberal morons attack mcdonalds and pizza hut and KFC, ETC. B/c they advertise on their networks so they get a pass...wink wink.
There is nothing wrong with making money. There is nothing wrong with being a chef and selling spin-offs. What IS wrong is John Q Public not taking responsibility for their own actions. Paula Deen did NOT force people to eat her food. She did not force people to buy the products she supports. It is just like television. There is an On and an Off button. Use it if you don't like what you see. Same with food. KNOW what is healthy and eat it. If she makes a good dish to take to a party then try it. One helping is NOT going to kill you. If it will then don't eat it for goodness sake. All this hulabalu is so stupid. Wake up people, decide what is good for you in your own time and take it to heart. Meanwhile don't blame Paula Deen. It makes YOU look like an idiot!
She was attacked because she promoted something she knew was unhealthy and lied about it. Stupid Southerners like you give Southerners a bad name.
@Fake Media
Clearly, you don't know what racism is... or grammar for that matter.
i 'eat like a diabetic' every day. I eat only plant based foods and substitute sugar for healthier options when baking. And guess what, I'm not diabetic, I just know what foods are best for my body (not to mention my wallet and the earth) and choose to eat that way every day. As others have said, it's a lifestyle- if she wanted my sympathy she would stop making excuses and admit that this was largely based on her life choices and now she needs to fix them. THAT would earn her my respect.
Fake, you are a Southen Fool my friend. This issue (until you posted) had absolutely NOTHING to do with liberal or conservative issues. You must be one of those trolls who always turn every new story into politics. You say it was Yankees who attacked, well I'm from the South and I was part of the crowd. Try another argument.
Paula Deen is a FRAUD!
She let time slip by and how many more lives have been damaged because of her personal GREED!
SHE damaged their lives? Seriously? Were three-year-olds making the choices of what to eat? Uh, I think adults can make their own decisions, but then, this IS American and we can't do anything without someone telling us whether it's good for us or not. If it's on TV, it MUST be good, right? And if it turns out it's not and we did it anyway, it's ALWAYS someone else's fault. Amazing!
You need to read some studies on advertising. Many people are influenced by shows like this, often unconsciously. You, dear Sparrow, whether you admit it or not, are influenced by advertising a dozen times a day.
Folks like Paula Deen make a lot of money taking advantage of people who not only harm themselves, but their families.
Now, you want to put a disclaimer on the bottom of the screen of her show that constantly tells viewers that the kind of diet she pushes has been shown to be detrimental to your health, leading to obesity and obesity related diseases, then I'm just fine with her staying on the air.
Alicia, I am not diabetic, but i use to take care of people with diabetes, and it's not as bad as one may think it is. It's all about changing your eating habits and being more health conscious. Life does not end when you are diabetic. It's accepting it, making changes in your health and eating habits. There are plenty of diabetic cookbooks that offer people with diabetes great foods to choose from.
As for Paula Dean, the one and only time i watched her and her cooking show, I knew right up front that what she was telling the viewers was not healthy or right. You cannot eat all that butter, high calorie foods, and use all that fat and lard and then claim it's ok. She was selling poison to the people. She should be ridiculed for all the crap she was selling on her show.
Eat in moderation, and you will be just fine. Drink water, juice instead of cola, lay off fast-food, chips, junk-food, and eat fruit, bake your chicken, lemon chicken, pepper chicken, is better than greasy fried chicken, lay off the pizza and eat it once a month or make your own veggie and meat pizza at home. Involve your kids if you have them in your cooking experience in the kitchen. This way they will learn how to eat and cook healthy food rather than eating junk-food and fast-food for a meal.
Actually, you're wrong, I have a brain and I use it. When was the last time you sent a letter or email to a company calling them on falsehoods in advertising? I do it on a regular basis, on top of boycotting their products.
Hell yeah, people are mad about it...not only is she killing herself but she's killing other people.....yes! Literally, killing them! It's a medical fact. Get used it, because Medicare is suffering from these people's decisions.
i kinda liked Paula but not when she is trying to make her goofy kids famous .
she's in it for the bucks and don't care what you eat ..
I live in South MS, the 'fattest' state, and some of the stuff she cooks is just sickening to think about eating. Most people here don't slather everything in gravy and deep fry it, but if you are going to eat that way you can't expect to NOT be unhealthy.
A lot of people backlashed because they don't like feeling like she's projecting this down-home folksy attitude while essentially killing herself and her viewers. You and I know that that crap is horrible for you, but some poor simpletons (bless them lol) are seriously stupid enough to do whatever their favorite celeb suggests.
I don't blame her for anyone else's problems but I think she should have at least made some attempt to make her viewers aware of the health problems that may arise from living the lifestyle she portrays. She was carrying on like she's been okay all this time, if she had disclosed her illness earlier she may have helped some of her viewers recognize their own health issues and who knows maybe saved some lives.
She has a right to privacy, but as a food personality she also should have an obligation to her viewers to be honest about what she's teaching them to feed themselves.
I was pretty disgusted with Deen long before she announced her diabetes, but now I am even more convinced that she is a pariah. Her announcement came at the same time a she announced her affiliation with a diabetic drug, so it casts a pawl over the whole business. Did she announce because she really wanted to world to know and understand and to help others, or did she announce to help herself out with the new drug. I believe the latter as many people do. She is a phony in any case; she lost her grandma next door quality as soon as she donned the white haired, prefectly coiffed wigs, the startling blue contact lenses, the bright whie teeth and accentuated her southern accent beyond recognition.
OMG, the last time I checked you and you alone are responsible for what you eat. I love Paula, she is funny and her receipes are great. I couldn't eat what she cooks every day, but for those special days and treats she has great ideas and is not stuck up or stuck on her self like Martha. Paula pulled herself up after her husband left her with two boys to raise and no money. She has been successful, and a successful woman seems to bring out the claws in some. Go Paula, cook the way you like and I will continue to enjoy you and your food.
She's got broad everything.
Is this woman completely clueless to the fact that health and life span are directly linked to lifestyle, specifically DIET and exercise?
It's really hard to dredge up sympathy for someone who has made a fortune selling her version of unhealthy eating, who then turns around and promotes a medication that treats the health issues her food causes. Seems kinda schizophrenic to me, and more than a little disingenuous.
To top it all off, she comes across as a big crybaby.
Here's a recipe for you, Paula. Try a little reality mixed with personal responsibility. It does wonders for your health.
I seriously can't believe all of the people crying that Paula Deen is killing her viewers. That there are so many really shows me what a big problem we have here in the US. People just can't take responsiblility for their own actions. If you can't look at a food show and tell the difference between what is healthy or not (without some stupid disclaimer) then you really need to take the responsiblilty of educating yourself. Advertising may influance people, but I don't see an ad for a BMW and run out and buy one, even though I can't afford it. I don't see ads for potato chips, ice cream, etc, and run right out and buy it, even though I am watching my weight. I am responsible for what I eat and how I live my life. Not Paula Deen or any other food network personality. Just because this woman has diabetes, does that make her any more responsible for what I eat than those other shows that highlight cakes or candy or any fattening, unhealthy food, just because the host doesn't have diabetes? And, of course she is taking advantage of her popularity to make money. Any of you who say you wouldn't are just lying. I don't have to watch her show, make what she is making, or buy her products. I am the only person who can decide if that is what I will do in my life. And for those who are crying about her responsiblity, how do you know she hasn't made significant changes to her personal eating habits? Her show is about fatty, fried southern food. She gained enormous popularity with that format. Why should she change it? Its an entertainment program - not a public service show to teach you how to eat. If you can't understand that, then you have way bigger problems than what Paula Deen cooks or how much money she is making from it.
Paula Deen, being a diabetic is not the end of the road, we all are gonna die one day, the only problem is we don't know when, virtually every human is die-ing to live a longer life, some of us live to eat and some of us eat to live, so what differance does this make, as long as we fulfilled our obligations on Mother Earth, left copies of ourselves, enjoyed life and made others happy. I for one can say that watching you, Guy, and Gida on Food Network, has truly made me happy, I live to eat and try out the recipes that I encounter every day, and I also work out daily for atleast 2hrs, diabeties is related to a genetic condition as well as a style of living, so lets live...
I don't understand the negativity at all. She didn't tell anyone she was diabetic because it's none of anyone's business. She's able to profit from it because she's well known so why shouldn't she profit from it - I bet most people would do the same thing in her shoes. People really don't have anything else in their lives that seem a little more important than this to worry about? Lucky you.
Here's my problem with her: She could have used this to do some good in the world, but instead she is using it to make money. There's nothing admirable about that, she already has plenty of money. She lied when she repeatedly said "I have always urged moderation on my show." I watched a bunch of her shows waiting for her comments on moderation after she made her announcement, and not once did she ever "urge moderation," quite the contrary. Again, the problem is not that she didn't urge moderation, but that she is now lying about it and saying she always has.
Shilling for a drug company? Inexcusable. Healthy eating and exercise are the only way to go.
Deen
captilized on her celebrity, by promoting a drug that costs $500 a month, not
covered by insurance . Besides the fact that the public needs to be aware that
this drug has shown an increased risk of thyroid cancer with rats & doesn't
cure diabetes. I would have more respect for her, if she made an announcement
that she had diabetes and that she was going to quit smoking, change the format
of her show to show how she is incorporating a healthy lifestyle and diet to
deal with her diabetes instead of promoting this drug. if people are smart
enough to realize that this is not a healthy way of living and that she doesn't
influence others, then why would this drug manufacturer pay her the big bucks
to promote this.some of us do realize this is not a healthy way of eating, but
with the obesity rate being so high, I do not think most people do. Besides the
fact that the manufacturers load our foods with chemicals, preservatives,
gmo's, hormones that are so bad for us, that you no longer can call it food. It
is made to be addictive, so that you can't stop eating it and then you blame
yourself. Please stop using the genetics
excuse as to why you have diabetes. Diabetes may be genetic, but with the
explosion in numbers of people who have it, you can no longer blame genetics. From the 1960s to the 1990s, the number of cases of
diabetes tripled. Then, in the past decade, the number of cases rose by nearly
50%, hitting the 11 million mark in 2000. 2012- more than 17 million Americans are
diabetic, And by 2050, that number will shoot up to 29 million.
Genetics load the gun, but lifestyle
pulls the trigger. Moderation is not the answer, because if you
eat a little bit of poison, it still eventually kills you. The best way to START
being healthy: stop buying anything in a bag, box or bag OR with ingredients
you can't pronounce and only buy organic if you are unable to grow it yourself.
If you have read the book: China Study, you know that an animal based diet will
lead to heart disease, diabetes, cancer etc. Exercise and diet, FIRST before
you start on the meds .
Agreed. If Paula was serious about health, she would have promoted healthier Southern cooking. She would have dropped the weight and got serious about exercise. Instead she's promoting a drug that only she and her ilk can afford.
Paula Deen is the Southern version of Martha Stewart.
Irene Michael, you are right. Diabetes is most often inherited and some people can get it quite young. I also enjoy watching Paula because I know she enjoys eating. I have have a problems believing some underweight that she loves the chocolatey desert etc. and "makes it all the time".
Paula is believable as well as entertaining and I admire her for building this business into a real success. When you have diabetes, it is very difficult to drop the weight. Let's not be cooking police and tell people what they can and cannot eat. It is their choice and they have a right to self-determination. (Overweight people are just overweight, not stupid.) One can live decades with diabetes and so it is between Paula and her condition. None of our business. I love her.
I agree with the comments from Alicia W. Whether positive or negative, someone is always going to have a comment/opinion. Can't change that - agree/disagree with how you present it - same thing - can't change that. Then there are those who think they know everything there is to know about diabetes (even if they're not diabetic themselves). I've was diagnosed about 15yrs ago (runs in maternal side of family) and I couldn't believe how may "experts" I've run into! Paula, deal with it however you want & feel comfortable with - just make sure that you DO deal with it (I'm sure you will) and God will take care of the rest. God Bless!
Interesting you mentioned diabetes runs in your family. Diabetes has many causes and not all have to do with weight. Viet Nam vets exposed to Agent Orange are coming down with it no matter what their weight while I have southern relatives who ate (in moderation) the type of stuff Paula cooks and lived into their 90s. I mentioned to my husband lately that one of my cousin's kids was just diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes, and my own husband, whom I show the Christmas pictures to every year (and he obviously does not look at them) made the comment, "he must be a FAT kid."
From the public's reaction, and even worse the nasty comments by certain rival TV chefs, I am not surprised Paula didn't say anything public earlier. And for those Southerners who think Paula overdoes the "y'alls," she is from rural Georgia. Even other Southerners sometimes need a translator down there. They can make the rest of us Southerners sound "almost Yankee!!!"
She's from Albany GA the largest city in SW GA S of Macon & Columbus.
I also think she overdoes the "y'alls" but other than that, I totally agree with everything you said. And I have absolutely no problem with her show, how she has handled the diabetes thing or the fact that she is making money from her celebrity status.
by the way I am also diabetic and I don't stick to a specific diet, but I work-out daily for 2hrs...
Paula Deen is a hypocrite who doesn't want to face up to what she did because she knows that if she faces it, she can't make money off of us any more. First she made money by encouraging people to eat foods that would lead to obesity. She says that she always told people to eat in moderation, but she made a hamburger that sat on a donut as a bun. If you eat that once just to do something ridiculous, fine. If you eat that even occasionally, you might be on the road to obesity. So she can stuff her "I warned people not to eat the food out of my cookbooks all the time" in a sack.
Then after she encouraged everyone to get fat, she decided to make money off of treating an illness that arises mainly from obesity.
Imagine that Lucy Ricardo landed that lucrative position as the Vitavegavegimin spokesperson. Then she found out that Vitavegavegimin caused leprosy. But instead of coming out right away and saying "Hey, this stuff causes a really bad reaction," she continued to endorse it for THREE YEARS. During those three years, she set up lucrative endorsement deals with companies that sell drugs that cure leprosy. And when she finally came out and warned people off of Vitavegavegimin , she then tried to sell them on the drugs, knowing all the while that she would get a cut of the drug money.
I know that is a ridiculous analogy, but I believe that what Paula Deen is doing is ridiculous, so it fits. She even went on Dr. Oz mere months before her big announcement to sell her latest book, and while she admitted to smoking on the Dr. Oz show, she never mentioned anything about diabetes. She just had to sell that one last thing before going into the next phase of money-making (a.k.a. drugs to cure you from all that other stuff she sold you.)
I don't want to see her on the Today Show any more. I don't want to see her on anything any more. I want her to fade away and be gone. She can call that "mean" all she wants. But I think she better look in the mirror before she goes around calling anyone else names.
Pure ignorance, especially your Lucy analogy. But you plainly know nothing of diabetes, or of Paula Deen. What a troll. Nuff said.
you are a fool
How is it that you can say Paula Deen is a hypocrite? Did she hold a gun to your head and make you eat any of the foods that she prepared? Did she force you to purchase her cookbooks? Did she in any way stop you from using common sense? The answer is No, No & No!!!
I love watching her shows and I own one of her cookbooks but I also have common sense. Her having this disease is not going to change the way I view her as a cook. I know that these are not foods that I should eat every day. She had no obligation to share her Diabetes with the world. What goes on between her and her doctor is only her business.
Get a life people and stop looking at the people on television to give you one!
I see what you're saying too, and it is valid. We all have common sense, we know what eating this type of food does to us but I still maintain that endorsing a drug is just crossing the line. I would've been fine with it if she announced her diagnosis, said she's had it for years and it is "maintained" and that's it. It's none of our business what the personal details are. Heck, IMO she didn't even have to say she had diabetes at all. Her private medical records/condition are her business. But for her to say, "I've had diabetes for three years and hey! Now I'm promoting this drug!" That's the part I have a problem with.
Really? You have a problem with her decision to promote a diabetes med. Why is it any of your business? You're affected by her decision in what way? Get a life.
In the sense that I am a fan, and I help pay her bills. She's a chef, and in a way, an entertainer. Therefore, she depends on the public (me...and you) to approve her decisions so that she can continue to make money. Too much backlash, and it hurts Paula in the pocket.
I can choose not to spend my money on someone that I feel is unethical...and from the looks of it, there are quite a few people who agree with me. There's people that don't, too. I'm sure eventually all the controversy will die down, but actions have consequences and right now, Paula's actions are hurting her a little bit financially.
Eeewww. Paula Deen smokes too?!!!
No, wonder she loads up the fat. Paula Deen can't taste the food.
That explains so much. Sugar, salt and fat. Yup, killed both my parents. That's why I don't cook Southern. Ever. I don't smoke cigarettes or cigars, either.
Of course, living in their home while they smoked 2 packs of cigarettes daily as I grew up is likely the reason I've had 3 different cancer diagnoses. So far I've managed to dodge the bullet. Gave me Cryptic Tonsillitis, too. That nearly killed me twice.
Hate cigarettes.
It would have been OK with everyone if she had announce 3 years ago when she found out, then started on a course of healthier cooking and eating. She could have been a huge influence for many with diabetes. Instead, she kept it private, which is her right, but continued promoting unhealthy cooking on her TV shows. THAT'S what everyone is upset about, Bobby.
Oh get over it. Paula Deen should not promote what YOU eat. You alone have control over that.
No doubt. She's a southern cook. Lots of traditionally southern cooking is "bad for you". What you put in your mouth is solely your choice. People fail to practice moderation all of the time and then want to blame someone else for the result. It's not her fault for not announcing her medical condition, nor is it her fault for continuing to make a living.
dman1115, you're spot on! I was about to post the same thing! This is NOT about her having diabetes, it's about her continuing to make money via her show promoting incredibly rich fatty food, until she could line up a new endorsement to promote diabetes drugs. Hypocrite! I used to love her show. Didn't cook her food, but loved the show. No more.
There are several probelms with that comment. 1) It's not your palce to dictate when anyone divulges heath information. 2) The only reason that she did divulge this is because she wanted to increase awareness of a new medical treatment for those with her condition - one that the public cannot just go out and buy, but must be deemed relevant to care by a physician. 3) Deen isn't going to be a 'huge influence' on anything - she's aldy with a restaurant and a cooking show. 4) She does not 'promote unhealthy cooking' on her show; she has a cooking show that has all types of Southern style dishes that views can make if they are interested. Some of her desserts are decadent, but none are advertized as diabetic-friendly. She often mentions that the more decadent dishes are not for everyday - as should be obvious. Further, Deen hardly has the most unhealthy show on TV; an example of this would be any of Guy Fieri's shows, most of which are non-stop advertizements for the most unhealthy foods in the country. 5) He sons were upset, as any good sons should be, in particualr when their mother is unfairly attacked by a bunch of unreasonable, ignorant, snotty people.
No matter what the issue, or who is involved in the matter, it seems that it is easier to judge and condem others, rather than looking in the mirror and fixing what is wrong there.
I enjoy watching Ms. Deen - she can be a bit naughty at times. I have made some of her recipes. However, many of my own are just as bad, if not worse. I really enjoy baking and my family and friends love it when I do. Always getting requests for my Irish Cream cake - very yummy.
My point here is that any weight or health issues I may have are my own fault. I can't, and wouldn't blame anyone else.
By the way - what really upsets me (dman1115), is how judgmental people are. Unless you know Ms. Deen personally, you have no clue as to how this diagnosis affected her, her family, friends, and staff.
But, McJ, she continued to go on her show and talk up how wonderful this incredibly rich, buttery food was, while hiding her own diabetes until she could get a new lucrative endorsement deal. THAT'S the issue--the hypocrisy! As dman said, had she come out three years ago and said that she had to make a change she'd have won tons of respect. Now she's just been shown for what she is--a big fraud.
Well, Nancy, no she didn't. She kept doing the show that she's always done - what she gets paid to do. Her food, overall, is NOT (not, not, not) that unhealthy, but like in all cases, her desserts must be eaten in moderation. Deen tends to show party foods, so sure, they might be a bit extravagant, but they are not for everyday (as she mentions). Plus, she does plenty of healthier foods. Further, Deen has no obligation to discuss her heathy with the public - period - and everyone is wise to not disclose this. To the contrary of your implication, Deen lent her name to promote a new drug to help people with her condition, and as you know, drugs must be prescribed by a physician, so promoting awareness is ALWAYS a public service. Haters can twist anything to suit their needs, and this says everything about their character (not their target).
Why are people so mad at Paula Deen. She simply shows us delicious recipes, it doesn't mean you have to fix or eat them. Should her show now revolve around "healthy" recipes because she has Type II diabetes. It's up to her and others to be responsible for their own diets. In fact most people with diabetes know how to cook and eat for their lifestyles so give them credit and leave Paula and her show alone, I love Paula Deen!
I love watching her make that food, knowing that it's simply awful for me is part of the appeal. I wouldn't actually cook it for myself, but ... we all know that stuff tastes amazing, and speculating about eating that food - and even groaning in delighted dismay when she adds another stick of butter - is totally fun.
You know the drug she promotes is not covered by insurance?
Did you know she smokes too?
So? Even if that is true, does anyone care? Anthony Bourdain, Deen's greatest hater, is the least healthy person in the public food biz.
Not only was she promoting unhealthy eating, which is hypocritical of her to begin with since I'm sure she was on a different diet altogether by this time.... now her son, Bobby, has his own show turning his mother's recipes "healthy"... seems to me they were waiting until his show was ready and he could get his chance to be a food celebrity as well. On top of all this she comes out as a spokesperson for a diabetes medication? Talk about mercenary planning!
As a Chef, I can appreciate comfort cooking and the addition of butter, fat and sugar to dishes, yet most dishes can be made healthier and more reasonably for use by most of the population quite easily, it wouldn't have taken much work or imagination for her to have done this in a timely manner, in fact, it speaks volumes about her commitment to her followers. So just eat the "bad" foods and simply take a pill... is this really the message someone with her opportunity for a positive influence wants to make? Seriously?
Also, not everyone that eats this type of food will get diabetes, there are a lot of factors after all, but if you can influence people in a good light, you should. If you choose to look after your interests and go after the $ instead, well..... not a good image for anyone.
B Garcia, I find your response the most appropriate. As a family who all have diabetis, I being the exception, mostly because I have been very vigilant about my food intake. I am what you could call an almost vegetarian, shrimp is still my downfall even though I don't have high blood pressure or cholestrol problems, just want to ween off of it and go strickly vegetarian by choice. Boxed, bag, or plastic isn't helathy for ME, so I feel when people have the opportunity to tell the public about the dangers of the food they are preparing or making, they really should take responsibility for their actions and the public needs to take responsibility for their own actions. Eat what is best for you, no matter who promotes it; however, to have diabetis and keep it a secret until the golden opportunity arose for you to continue to make money is just plain greed. You do owe the public an apology for misleading them into believing you and your cooking all for MONEY. I won't buy a book or look at your program ever again, so I hope you invested wisely.
1) Deen doesn't promote unhealthy eating. 2) She's consistently said that most of the more decadent things she makes are for parties or holidays and are for eating occasionally. 3) Her son's show is built around the concept of modernizing some of Deen's most decadent recipes (which are generally regular housewives recipes from the 1950's - not Deen's creations) so they are more healthy and will be tried by a wider audience. 4) The rest of your post is just uninformed gobbledygook to be best skipped.
I don't know why people would make such a big deal about Paula having Type 2 diabetes. She doesn't have cancer or any illness that's killing her. My family consists of 28 first aunts and uncles combined on my mother's side and my father's side. At least half if not more of them have Type 2 diabetes including my mother, who just turned 71 and is fine. My aunt has had it since her teens, and she 56 now and doing fine. My mother-in-law had it since she was young, she passed at 89, and her death had nothing to do with any complications related to her diabetes. I have several, i mean A LOT of cousins and only one of them have it. More may come, who knows. But its not a death sentence. People who have said anything bad about Paula's case are those who are ignorant about this disease.
Why does Today continue to have this charlatan on the program?
"a few people were kind of mean" - are you kidding me? Deen is oblivious. she owes everyone an apology for deliberately deceiving them about her diabetes diagnosis. people should demand that programs like Today no longer book this tramp.
I hope I am around when you fall off your high horse
No doubt, what a jealous troll.
Who gives a @!$%# if she didn't tell the public about her diabetes?? That's her personal business and she didn't have to broadcast it to everyone..
I haven't even tried making any of her recipes, but I still enjoy watching her show.. It's called entertainment? Ever heard of that?
GerardBrennan,
I ask you the same thing...By your comment - Are you that perfect that you feel so superior to judge other people???
I guess you idiots would be first in line for the snake oil salesman.
you are either ill-informed or ignorant.
She continued to promote a cooking style that is inextricably linked to
type2 diabetes and once she was outed as having diabetes she turned to pimping diabetes medication for a pharmaceutical company.
Don't you clowns understand hypocrisy?
I suppose you walk around announcing your medical history to everyone you come in contact with. Have you made a special public service announcement to do so?
how stupid can you be? my medical history is irrelevant.
Ever have something happen in your life that caused you to change course? What an idiot.
you're the efing troll here. your comments reveal the fact that you're obtuse and ignorant.
Gerard, they just don't get it. Kinda what's wrong with our entire society today. We worship the haves no matter how they got their money.
thanks jb - you're right. the woman is far smarter than her Hick persona.
she's got all these idiots buffaloed as she rakes in the $.
Gerard,
You sound jealous... You're probably one of the "lazy, I'm not rich so no one else should be" occupy wall street crowd. She's making money legally and legitimately. No one is making you watch her show, buy her products, or eat her food. I have several of her cookbooks and I've used them for holiday meals and special occasions. EVERYONE that tried them, loved them and asked for the recipe. She does seem to be pretty intelligent, and most of her audience are smart enough know what they are doing and adult enough to take responsibility for their own choices.
I was diagnosed with diabetes in 1993, at least 10 years before I even heard of Paula Dean. She did not cause my disease and neither did I. I am 5'6' and weigh 127 pounds. The most I have every weighed in my life is 142, one year after I had to treat my diabetes with insulin (which causes weight gain). My diabetes was caused by genetics. Both my grandmothers, my parents, an uncle, three aunts, and one of two sisters has diabetes. It was at least three years before I could say I had diabetes without being ashamed. Do you think it is fun to go out for dinner and have to excuse yourself so you can give yourself a shot? Maybe I'm not the only one who was diagnosed with diabetes who really didn't want to make a big issue of it until I had come to grips with it myself. Now I know that if I want to eat something that Paula may cook, I can in moderation, and that is the key.
Let Paula alone. Instead try to walk in her shoes and see how you would feel. And by the way, you can control diabetes but you will never cure it no matter what contestants on The Biggest Loser say.
A lot of people don't mind having frauds and charletans on the air. So long as they are charming, they could be lying about their past and it wouldn't matter to them so long as they are entertained.
Amused in the midwest said:
Paula Deen certainly hasn't changed her course--she's still selling her brand, but now it's on a diabetes drug too-- so whats your point?
disgusting woman.
louis magoois,
By your comment - Are you that perfect that you feel so superior to judge other people???
I think people can be so silly, it isn't Paula's job to police what you cook and eat, that is the person's job that's doing the cooking. All she does is give you recipes and most are fantastic. But being an adult, you shouldn't have to be told to do something in moderation. Again, not Paula's JOB. Wish these negative people would just be quiet, blaming her for your own stupidity is shameful.
I am a diabetic. Do I like her recipes? YES! Do I eat them every day NO!. For example, if Paula shows a recipe for a southern pastry, I want to see the recipe as it was...not modified. Will I eat that every day? no. I'm diabetic and would never do that. BUT. I cook for more than myself. On a special occasion I will make that recipt for my guests. I might try a sliver of it, I might not. The point is that her show is great to watch and her recipes aren't ment to be eaten every day. Some people just love to hate.... As far as Bourdain, if you watch his show you realize how insignificant any comments he makes towards healthy living are.
Thought the same thing. Massive pot and kettle there. Same thing again with the Andrew Zimmern comments. He's out there eating bugs and wants to carp about Paula's food? This druggie freak has no credibility to be judging her. He's trying to position himself to run for office and not doing a very good job of it.
Deen shouldn't have announced " I didn't tell the people to eat my foods " also " I don't eat it "
unfortunately we live in a society that would rather blame everyone else for their problems instead of taking personal responsibility. The people here dissing Paula are the same people who blame the coaches when their kids get cut from the team, and the same people who blame their bosses when they get fired. Do you call the weatherman and complain every time the forcast is wrong?? take responsibility for yourself for once!
Thank you Jdavid! Although it is kinda swarmy that she's the pitch woman for meds. I watch her show, as entertainment.
What you all are missing is that the outrage is about her huge conflict of interest. Not that she has diabetes. Rather, that she is encouraging people to eat in a way that will lead to diabetes, while taking money from a drug company that sells a drug for diabetes. So, is she trying to drum up more business for the drug company? That is why people are so upset about this.
somebody-else,
How can you make the statement "Rather, that she is encouraging people to eat in a way that WILL lead to diabetes..."
Where do you get your personal information? How can you make that accusation without evidence? Has Paula Deen ever, on her show or in an interview, said to the public that YOU must eat my way/my recipes and I don't care that it will undoubtably lead you (the public) to diabetes?
Seriously, don't make yourself out to be so superior that you can judge other people's lives without getting all the facts.
I do not get what the big deal is, it is her body, her illness, and her choice to cook as she does and has and is making a fortune doing it not to mention the bucks she will get for being the spokesperson for the insulin company. Clearly if the company thought her illness couldn't be managed they wouldn't be paying her. Get over it. YOU GO MISS PAULA, and I feel bad that you have been treated with such disdain and anger.
Emeril Lagasse doesn't look well these days. I hope he is allright.
her food looks disgusting and she is a horrible person. i wouldnt be surprised if she came out with her own brand of cardiac stent.
Adam Henry,
By your attitude, I predict your demise will come before hers.
i doubt that cupcake since im not diabetic or over-weight. shouldnt you be doing laundry or making dinner by now?
Adam Henry,
You may not be diabetic or over-weight - BUT YOU HAVE A BIG HEAD and for your information chauvinist jerk - I am not a cupcake.
And I hire people to do my laundry and make my dinner!!!
Oh Lady, are you Paula's rep?
Lady-3941411, don't make it personal.
Adam Henry, don't respond in kind, and lose the sexism.
You're each suspended for a day for violating #1 of the Code of Honor.
Anthony Bourdain criticized Paula Deene, as he lights up another ciggie...
First and foremost-- Paula never said eat this or eat that-- that would be a hypocrite. Second -- she didnt have to tell anyone anything about her personal health. Third-- if you didnt already know that southern food can be unhealthy then you are the problem , not her- because you are stupid. Everything in moderation!!!! Some of the other people like Bourdain really piss me off-- he infamously eats things that he knows are not safe to eat then has the audacity to chastise Paula. Do we ever ask any chef if they eat everything they make or if its good for you??? Julie Child knew that french food was rich and problematic but it made her famous and she loved it. And we loved her. Eat the food or dont-- its your choice--grow up and shut up. She is a fabulous southern cook-- I hope she doesnt change. I love to watch her cook and try some of the things out. Who made you people the food police or gave you any right to judge. What happened to personal responsibility?? She didnt make you fat or give you diabetes--- takes some responsibility for your own actions and genetics. Leave Paula alone-- if you dont like her move on and find your next victim to harass about your own short comings.
What makes the 'cupcake queen' think everybody loves her? She's a celebrity and is subject to all reactions both negative & positive.
Seriously? She's surprised that some people would have a negative reaction to her pushing recipes like a donut burger (shudder) knowing all the while that she was diabetic and dishes like that could quite likely cause serious harm to her fans with that same condition? That's the sign of someone who is at worst delusional and at best couldn't care less about those fans.
Why all the hate? Ms. Deen is who she is; the so called TV personalities who have taken issue with her need to get a life! Bourdain, and Zimmer don't hate because you are not as popular as Ms. Deen! Together nither one of your shows is worth watching. Zimmer eating such disgusting stuff, and Bourdain drinking his way around the world, that's not entertainment. I like Ms. Deen, and I hope she will continue to do what she does for a long time to come!