Paula Deen Dumped by Walmart Amid Growing Racism Scandal

Retail giant is latest business partner to cut dies with Deen after she admitted to using a racial slur

Retail giant Walmart has become the latest company to sever its relationship with celebrity chef Paula Deen for admitting she used a racial slur.

“We are ending our relationship with Paula Deen Enterprises and we will not place new orders beyond those already committed," a Walmart spokesperson told TheWrap in a statement.

Also read: Paula Deen Dropped by Caesars Entertainment in Latest N-Word Fallout

The spokesperson added that Walmart "will work with suppliers to address existing inventories and agreements."

Walmart's decision comes on the heels of Caesars Entertainment decision to cut its ties with the celebrity chef on Wednesday. Caesars host Paula Deen-themed restaurants in a number of its Harrah's casinos. Earlier this week, Smithfield Foods decided to part ways with Deen, and the Food Network announced that it wouldn't be renewing its contract with Deen last week.

See video: Paula Deen Contradicts Herself on 'Today,' Says She Only Used N-Word Once

Walmart carries a number of products bearing Deen's name, including cookware, barbecue sauce and salad dressing.

Deen has been mired in controversy since last week, when news broke that she had used the N-word during a deposition. Deen and her brother, Earl W. "Bubba" Hiers by a former restaurant employee who claims that Hiers created a sexually and racially hostile work environment, and that Deen failed to prevent it.

See video: Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O'Brien Mock Paula Deen Over N-Word Controversy

The celebrity chef appeared on NBC's "Today" this morning, which she had been due to appear on last week but canceled amid the growing controversy. The appearance seems to have done more harm than good, however, as the celebrity chef contradicted her statements in the deposition, saying that she had used the racial slur only once in her life.

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