Paula Deen's Shrinking Empire

Brands steadily distance themselves from the TV chef.

Worst: Paula Deen's N-Word Scandal - TV's butter queen saw her empire crumble this year after a leaked deposition revealed she had used the N-word liberally in the past. The news was made worse by Deen's bizarre apology tour, in which she shed tears but failed to convince her fans and sponsors to give her a second chance. Many stars, including Kevin Hart and Vivica Fox, believed the backlash went too far and felt Deen learned her lesson. (Photo: Courtesy Paula Deen via YouTube)

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Losing Business - Nothing stirs the pot like a good scandal, especially if you're Paula Deen. In the past week, a number of companies have cut ties with the popular TV chef after she admitted to using racial slurs in the past. BET.com recaps the growing list of companies to jump ship. —Britt Middleton(Photo: Courtesy Paula Deen via Youtube)

Food Network - After an 11-year partnership with Deen, the Food Network announced on June 21 that it would not renew her contract when it expires at the end of the month.

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Food Network - After an 11-year partnership with Deen, the Food Network announced on June 21 that it would not renew her contract when it expires at the end of the month.

Smithfield Foods - Smithfield Foods (Deen formerly promoted their line of hams) announced they were terminating Deen's contract in a statement on June 24. Company Vice President Keira Lombardo said Smithfield "condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind."

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Smithfield Foods - Smithfield Foods (Deen formerly promoted their line of hams) announced they were terminating Deen's contract in a statement on June 24. Company Vice President Keira Lombardo said Smithfield "condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind."

Walmart - Walmart, which sold Deen's line of eyeglasses, cookware and food products, severed ties on June 25. "We are ending our relationship with Paula Deen Enterprises, and we will not place new orders beyond those already committed," a spokesperson said.

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Walmart - Walmart, which sold Deen's line of eyeglasses, cookware and food products, severed ties on June 25. "We are ending our relationship with Paula Deen Enterprises, and we will not place new orders beyond those already committed," a spokesperson said.

Caesars Entertainment Corp. - The casino chain, which operates her restaurant, Paula Deen's Kitchen, in four of its properties, said in a statement on June 26 that "it is in the best interests of both parties to part ways at this time." 

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Caesars Entertainment Corp. - The casino chain, which operates her restaurant, Paula Deen's Kitchen, in four of its properties, said in a statement on June 26 that "it is in the best interests of both parties to part ways at this time." 

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Target - A Target spokesman said on June 27 that the retailer will "phase out" Deen's merchandise in its stores and on Target.com.

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Target - A Target spokesman said on June 27 that the retailer will "phase out" Deen's merchandise in its stores and on Target.com.

Novo Nordisk - Diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk said June 27 that it and Deen “have mutually agreed to suspend our patient education activities for now, while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed." Deen signed on for the company's "Diabetes in a New Light" campaign after revealing she had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year.

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Novo Nordisk - Diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk said June 27 that it and Deen “have mutually agreed to suspend our patient education activities for now, while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed." Deen signed on for the company's "Diabetes in a New Light" campaign after revealing she had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last year.

QVC - On June 27, QVC President and CEO Mike George announced that the retailer is "taking a pause" with its partnership with Deen, noting that she won't appear on any upcoming broadcast and that her inventory will be "phased out."  "We all think it’s important, at this moment, for Paula to concentrate on responding to the allegations against her and on her path forward," he said.

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QVC - On June 27, QVC President and CEO Mike George announced that the retailer is "taking a pause" with its partnership with Deen, noting that she won't appear on any upcoming broadcast and that her inventory will be "phased out."  "We all think it’s important, at this moment, for Paula to concentrate on responding to the allegations against her and on her path forward," he said.

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Sears - Sears Holdings, which owns the department stores Sears and Kmart, announced on June 28 that they too would "phase out" Deen's merchandise, telling the Huffington Post: "We will continue to evaluate the situation. Our members' needs will be given first priority as we work to continue to provide quality cookware in our stores and online."

Home Depot - According to Us Weekly, Home Depot said on June 27 that it would stop selling Deen's cookware and kitchen merchandise.

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Home Depot - According to Us Weekly, Home Depot said on June 27 that it would stop selling Deen's cookware and kitchen merchandise.

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J.C. Penney - J.C. Penney confirmed on June 28 that it would "discontinue selling" Deen–themed products.

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J.C. Penney - J.C. Penney confirmed on June 28 that it would "discontinue selling" Deen–themed products.

Walgreens - A spokesperson for the drug store giant confirmed with the Huffington Post on June 28 that it is "phasing out" Deen's merchandise from its stores. The company also owns Duane Reade and the online retailer Drugstore.com.

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Walgreens - A spokesperson for the drug store giant confirmed with the Huffington Post on June 28 that it is "phasing out" Deen's merchandise from its stores. The company also owns Duane Reade and the online retailer Drugstore.com.