Embattled celebrity chef Paula Deen has turned down a chance to compete on the 17th season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” UsMagazine.com reported Wednesday.
“The dance floor is not the appropriate forum for her,” a source close to Miss Deen told the magazine.
The former Food Network star has faced tough scrutiny since admitting in a May deposition for a lawsuit she had used the N-word in the past. Since she issued a public apology, the 66-year-old has been fired from the network.
In a devastating blow, J.C. Penney, Walgreens, Sears, Kmart, QVC, Smithfield Foods, Walmart, Home Depot and casino giant Caesar’s Entertainment all followed suit by ending their partnerships with Deen.
“We’ve seen career resurgences after the show,” “Dancing with the Stars” co-host Tom Bergeron told UsMagazine.com about why Deen should re-consider. “People go, ’I remember why I love that person!’”
Cheryl Burke also echoed her support for Miss Deen, UPI reported.
SEE ALSO: Paula Deen’s accuser, Lisa Jackson: ‘I may be a white woman,’ but racism still hurts
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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