More health revelations from Paula Deen?
AP photo
Paula Deen’s health is back in the news. The blogosphere, anyway.
The Daily, which seems to have a source with access to Deen’s medical records, as it was the first outlet to report Deen’s diabetic diagnosis, suggests a second health revelation is in the ether.
Deen was taping a segment with Dr. Mehmet Oz the other day when he asked, “You have another secret, don’t you? You have high blood pressure.”
This sent Team Deen into “a tizzy,” The Daily reports, with a publicist leaping in to stop the interview with the admonition: “You can’t air that.”
Actually this isn’t exactly breaking news. The Daily links to a story that our former AJC colleague Jim Auchmutey wrote in 2007, in which Deen told him she took blood pressure medication. She also shared details of a recent day’s worth of dining.
“Yesterday was so bad,” Deen said in that 2007 interview. “I started off the day with a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit from Hardee’s. For lunch, I had a fabulous chocolate-stuffed, chocolate-covered eclair that I made for the show. And for dinner, I had fried fish and fried shrimp from Captain D’s. Now is that horrible or what?”
On the other hand, she didn’t want anyone to know about her affinity for cigarettes, asking during the 2007 interview, “Y’all don’t have to tell people that I smoke, do you?”
Since Deen’s revelation that she was diagnosed three years ago with type II diabetes, she has begun working as a celebrity pitchwoman for a diabetes drug. Her web site now touts lighter versions of her high-calorie classics and her Twitter account espouses a healthier lifestyle.
“Just in time for the Super Bowl, Bobby and Jamie have some lighter meatballs to bring to the field,” she posted the other day, referring to her sons’ new cookbook which includes lighter recipes.
Deen’s chief critic, fellow on-air food personality (and fellow smoker) Anthony Bourdain, hasn’t been amused by her pivot to diabetic coach.
“Thinking of getting into the leg-breaking business,” he tweeted the other day, “so I can profitably sell crutches later.”
- Jennifer Brett/The Buzz/jbrett@ajc.com
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164 comments Add your comment
Josette
January 24th, 2012
1:49 pm
Please leave Paula Deen alone. I have never seen her force anyone to eat her recipes. Anthony Bourdain, you’re coming off as jealous, if anything. God bless her. I pray for her good health.
Jennifer
January 24th, 2012
2:02 pm
Anthony Bourdain jealous of Paula Deen?!?!?! Hahahahahaha, that’s a good one! Thanks for the belly laugh, I needed that. Paula Deen is nothing but a caricature, incredibly freaking fake.
Karen
January 24th, 2012
2:05 pm
Paula has never touted herself a a “nutritional cook”….so anyone who is surprised is not very bright.
Paula
January 24th, 2012
2:07 pm
I have high-blood pressure as well – it’s hereditary in my family. I take a pill each day. Am I a bad person?
AJC Negative Blogger
January 24th, 2012
2:09 pm
Paula,
Since your name is Paula then you are a bad person too.
weena
January 24th, 2012
2:12 pm
Paula is a freak. Yea, she made money but she sold her soul and her integrity, to make it. It’s time for her to take the money and run.
As for Anthony, he was a heroin addict. I challenge him to disclose his HIV status.
Pamela
January 24th, 2012
2:12 pm
Honestly people…her medical business is HER MEDICAL BUSINESS and nobody elses. Whom ever is telling all of her business need to be sued and fired! What ever her health problems are is HER business..not anybody elses…
Jean
January 24th, 2012
2:13 pm
Paula Deen is a Southern woman who cooks food that most true Southerners cooked. She is a delight to watch on television and I much prefer her over that crazy food critic Anthony. His claim to fame is eating bugs and nasty things that I wouldn’t even want my dog to eat. I’m just curious – when did it become mandatory that every TV personality or celebrity of any sort must disclose all of their health issues? Her health is her own personal business and should not be of anyone else’s concern (other than to wish her good health and happiness). Paula isn’t forcing people to make her recipes, so leave her alone. If you don’t like what she is cooking, turn the channel to something else!
Ellen
January 24th, 2012
2:15 pm
Paula should be the spokesperson for Jenny Craig, not a diabetes drug. Or she could be the spokesperson for the nicotine patch. She should also overhaul her show for lighter fare and write healthy cook books–and make a MINT.
Just by losing weight, her diabetes and high blood pressure would probably go away.
MBW
January 24th, 2012
2:15 pm
I don’t believe anyone should blame Paula Deen for making them overweight –its just like cigarettes — what you eat or do is a personal choice. Unless someone force feeds you fattening food, its all your own fault. No one else’s. People need to take some personal responsibility. It seems like Paula Deen has for herself — in trying to become more healthy. Seems like Anthony B is just trying to grab some publicity for himself by attacking other people who are in the news.
Sluggo
January 24th, 2012
2:16 pm
“I started off the day with a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit from Hardee’s. For lunch, I had a fabulous chocolate-stuffed, chocolate-covered eclair that I made for the show. And for dinner, I had fried fish and fried shrimp from Captain D’s”
Plus,”she didn’t want anyone to know about her affinity for cigarettes”
I am not a cardiologist but I understand this can’t be healthy.
JJ
January 24th, 2012
2:18 pm
I don’t care, I still love to watch her cook. Her personality wins me over…..what a hoot that woman is.
I have high blood pressure too, and I take a pill daily. No big freaking deal……..half the people I know are on blood pressure medicine…..
jose
January 24th, 2012
2:19 pm
Interesting, Anthony Bourdain, and most other haute cuisine chefs, make plenty of unhealthy food but no one criticizes them. I don’t like Paula Deen’s recipes and don’t eat her food but I do support her right to say and do what she wants without hypocrites like Bourdain and others jumping on her story.
Mr Dave
January 24th, 2012
2:20 pm
Jean…Ref Paula a Southern women etc… You are so right on!!!!!How anyone else can get so uptight about this matter is beyond me..PEOPLE GET A LIFE!!!!
Melinda
January 24th, 2012
2:22 pm
Watch her, buy her cookbooks, try her recipes or NOT. Nobody is forcing anyone to have anything to do with her. It’s a choice and – just like everyone else – she can choose to smoke, eat what she wants, cook what she wants and say what she wants. If you’re really upset about this you need to have more in your life so you can quit being obsessed with hers.
ideas
January 24th, 2012
2:25 pm
I am in the leg breaking business, Bourdains. I cannot stand that idiot. If I ever ran into him I would break his.
Smokewagon
January 24th, 2012
2:27 pm
What next – ED?
Dawg
January 24th, 2012
2:30 pm
If I remember correctly, Bourdain got his feathers ruffled last year when Paula was asked to be the Grand Marshall of the Rose Parade. He couldn’t believe they asked her since she was from GA and he was a Califiornian. Who cares what he thinks anyway?
I believe as others suggested, it’s HER business, no one forces you to eat it (or watch her show) She’s cooking what true southerners grew up on. And frankly. southern food is the tastiest. It’s also the least healthy. It’s a choice!
Dr Phil
January 24th, 2012
2:32 pm
Obama like burgers, fries and his smokes…………….Ok liberals, lets hear it……LOL
Carol
January 24th, 2012
2:33 pm
Oh for goodness sakes! Leave this woman alone. She doesn’t force feed anyone watching her television show. I agree with Jean – if you don’t like what she is cooking, don’t watch her show, but leave her medical conditions out of it. If she does have these problems, then I sincerely hope she is being treated for them and hope she lives a long and happy life! Besides, medical records are supposed to be confidential (HIPPA).
JB
January 24th, 2012
2:34 pm
I’m going to Hardee’s Saturday for that biscuit
Bourdain - 1 Deen - O
January 24th, 2012
2:43 pm
I’m truly sorry that Paula Deen developed Diabetes and has high blood pressure. But I think it’s disgusting that she continued to “sell” the food she couldn’t (or shouldn’t ) eat and she only came out with this diabetes disgnosis after she was hired by Big Pharma to sell a diabetes drug. That is crap. It reminds me of Star Jones getting gastric bypass, then lying about it (saying she lost weight the old fashioned way) and only coming out with the truth when she had a book to sell. Please. What Paula SHOULD have done was to have been honest, developed a “Paula Deen Light” cookbook, created a foundation designed ti advance research towards a cure, like Susan Komen, and then somewhere in the process if she did an endorsement then fine. But instead she took the greedy way out, keeping this secret for years until she found a corporate sponsor so she could profit from her illness. As Bourdain said “I’ll think I’ll break my legs so I can go into the crutch making business.” Indeed….
Mardell
January 24th, 2012
2:45 pm
When she goes on every TV show talking about her medical history it makes it everyones business. I have always been a Paula Deen fan, but, I also know that she has decided to tell about her being a diabetic because she is being paid to promote the medication for it. Everyone is playing right into her hands, every TV show, every newpaper, every magizine, the internet, everyone is talking about it and she keeps on selling the medication for it. If she cared about our health why didn’t she tell it 3 years ago, I am very disappointed in her and they way she has made money off of this story.
Rob
January 24th, 2012
2:45 pm
Anthony Bourdain never hid the fact on his show that he smoked and drinks in his normal life.
Ron
January 24th, 2012
2:45 pm
Underneath the glam, she’s a person, not just a celebrity. And I would nevah, evah, disrespect a southern lady by criticizing her cookin’- especially when it’s as good as Paula’s. Who cares if she smokes or rides around in a pink Cadillac eating bon-bons? It makes me like her more to hear that she actually eats a Hardee’s biscuit and Captain D’s…I appreciate her honesty.
JB
January 24th, 2012
2:46 pm
@2:43……………..Or all the woman in Hollywood with fake boobs. It’s just not right. Deception at it’s worst.
jj
January 24th, 2012
2:47 pm
why pick on Paula… has anyone notices that 99% of the TV chef personalities are all touting unhealthy food. Sure there are a couple that say you should lighten this up or use olive oil but… I only hear one name being used when condeming recipie choices so there has to be something else. She is not the only overweight one, I am sure she is not the only one that smokes or has high blood pressure and probably not the only one that is diabetic… is it because she is from the south, aren’t the Neeleys and Sunny from the south? so that must not be the reason, she is not the only female … could it be that she is older? hummm…. I wonder what the real reason for the attacks is….
JB
January 24th, 2012
2:48 pm
Mardell……………..Does her show effect what you pick up and put in your mouth?
CKM
January 24th, 2012
2:49 pm
I miss the “other” Paula. The more grandmotherly one. I liked the way she was before she became such a mogul. The big wigs, gigantic fake eye-lashes, gawdy jewelry (especially those rings she ALWAYS leaves on; no matter what she is digging her hands in). It’s very obvious she wants everyone to see she is no longer the dirt-poor hick from Albany. I grew up on Wilmington Island in Savannah, Ga. This is where she lives. This is most definitely NOT where she is from. Money most assuredly did not buy her breeding. Her sons with all their Bulldog gear. I’d be very interested to know if they even graduated from high school. I’m Jamie’s age and he certainly didn’t attend any of the schools in my social circles. Phonies is a drastic understatement.
Robert Noble
January 24th, 2012
2:49 pm
Being a Diabetic, I will never support her, as she is a fake. Nor will I ever use Novo Nordisk medications, as I will not support her for making money off people with Diabetes, even though she has been diagnosed.
RN
ATLAS
January 24th, 2012
2:51 pm
I love Paula…Anthony Bourdain is a nut job….
here ya go yall
January 24th, 2012
2:52 pm
Paula Deen has proven she is very money driven. I don’t think ANYONE wants diabetes or high blood pressure, or any other health problem. WHen you smoke, you know its bad for you; yet MILLIONS continue to smoke. If you eat CRAZY and non-healthly, but they are so good foods, eventually, you get fat, high blood pressure and other various issues. If you drink too much and drive you reap the consequences. I don’t even think ANYONE really wants to be fat. Sone health issues are genetic. People can not help that; but continuing to do the things that make those health issues worse no the consequences. Paula Deen may be the nicest lady in the world and maybe she can cook. But right now, she is capitaling off her “mistakes”. Right, wrong, or indifferent, she does look silly making her “ooey gooey butter cake” one one channel, pushing Smithfield Hams on another, and then inking a deal to be the new face of a diabetic medicine. Money clearly means more to some people than others. Her business, and her personal life, very true, but when you are in the PUBLIC EYE, THINK before you do something, because people are watching.
Hmmm.....
January 24th, 2012
2:52 pm
Deen has been slapping her name on everything under the sun for 2 years – cookware, peanuts, cookbooks. Why shouldn’t she slap her name on her diabetes drug if it helps her make a buck, right? So what if she was still pushing the very food/lifestyle that likely caused her disease. So what if it helps her make a buck, right?
For all you pro-Deen fans, would it be the same if she had hidden a triple bypass from her “fans” all the while making fried steak and gravy? But then decided to clean up her act when she broke a contract to be the face for the Jarvic artificial heart?
It’s funny how NOBODY from the Food Network is coming out in support of her.
I just turned in my “fan” card.
tim
January 24th, 2012
2:53 pm
BUTTA FACE is TWO FACED
And she dumb southern stiick is annoying.
The biggest loser …….
mecq
January 24th, 2012
2:53 pm
Why is it any of your or my business what type medical issues Miss Paula has. Stay in your lane and tend to your own business.
Southern Belle
January 24th, 2012
2:54 pm
If Paula is having health issue, its really not yours or my business. We didn’t help her make her millions. She owes us nothing about her personal life. Why do you people think she does. GET LIFE!!!!!!!!!
Daid Johns
January 24th, 2012
2:54 pm
WELL SAID HERE YALL GO! That is the absolute truth!
JB
January 24th, 2012
2:54 pm
jj………………you got it. A white trash southern woman who has made it….and on her own. I bet half the people on here don’t know her story.
ML
January 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
Paula’s green beans for the win.
Scooter
January 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
Oh how I love the self righteous indignation of bloggers. I wish Paula good health and prosperity.
JB
January 24th, 2012
2:56 pm
Way to tell’em Robert Noble.
Atlantan
January 24th, 2012
2:57 pm
Rich any criticism coming from Bourdain – he stuffs himself with animal parts, drinks heavily and up unto recently was a heavy smoker. What Paula does is her business as are the consequences of her actions. The world would be a better place if we stayed out of each others personal business…. If you don’t violate the someone’s right to life, liberty or happiness I don’t care what you do.
JB
January 24th, 2012
2:57 pm
Love to know the life and problems of the “perfect” haters on here.
JRHD
January 24th, 2012
2:59 pm
The cork is out of the haterade today for sure. Anthony BOREdain espouses eating brains, livers, hearts and all sorts of things fried, pickled and even live animals (octopus on one episode). He also models drinking highly toxic liqueurs (absinthe) so I don’t think Mr. Bourdain is exactly the right person to be criticizing someone for their lifestyle or cooking habits.
Slaphead
January 24th, 2012
3:01 pm
Don’t care. Her food is good. If I want healthy fare, I’ll watch Hungry Girl or whatever. If I want good ol’ southern comfort food that tastes danged good, I’ll watch Paula Deen.
OMG She has grey hair! Must be that crap food she cooks on her show!
JB
January 24th, 2012
3:02 pm
I’m thinking the only thing keeping Paula from being perfect is she not Northern,Gay,living in the DC area and an atheist. That would about do it.
GTPHISH
January 24th, 2012
3:02 pm
Atlantan, I agree about Bourdain, I like him, but, wish he would shut up about Paula Dean.
jose
January 24th, 2012
3:06 pm
Robert, you are so shallow as to not accept your doctor’s prescription because you don’t like the manufacturer’s advertising? Wow. Personally, I do whatever it takes to live a healthy life and don’t pay attention to what a drug company…or some celebrity chef…has to say.
katsun
January 24th, 2012
3:09 pm
I like to watch cooking shows. I am also a very very picky eater and would not eat half of the stuff any of them make. Just because I watch something doesn’t mean I have to cook it or eat it. I am a adult. No one makes me do anything. Everyone who gets upset about Paula and her style of cooking needs to grow up. As an American I have the right to eat what I want, when I want, just like all the other rights we enjoy in this country. You don’t want anyone else to tell you how to live your life, so don’t complain about how others live theirs!
Viewer
January 24th, 2012
3:09 pm
Just for the record – Bourdain quit smoking after he and his current wife Ottavia had their baby together.
JB
January 24th, 2012
3:11 pm
Who is Bourdain and what kind of biscuits does he make?
Golfer
January 24th, 2012
3:12 pm
No wonder. She makes up for being a terrible cook(she’s not a chef) by using high fat, or sweet ingredients. Went to her restaurant once. What a joke. Food Channel should dump her. She sold out, at the expense, and welfare of her audience. Wonder if we’ll see her sponsoring BP medication next
justin
January 24th, 2012
3:14 pm
@ Slaphead
January 24th, 2012
3:01 pm
Don’t care. Her food is good. If I want healthy fare, I’ll watch Hungry Girl or whatever. If I want good ol’ southern comfort food that tastes danged good, I’ll watch Paula Deen.
I agree with you 100% Paula never said to cook like she does. I often use her recipes. There will always be people looking for a scapegoat. Paula is not your nutrition Saviour! Be responsible for your own diet!
jldsa
January 24th, 2012
3:17 pm
paula deen – please wash your hands and quit rubbing your face and mouth when you are cooking. you are a pig.
Dawg
January 24th, 2012
3:19 pm
Leave Paula be. She’s the first one to tell you she is a cook, not a chef. And, that no one should eat her syle of cooking each day!!!
JB
January 24th, 2012
3:19 pm
No, we can’t eat like that ON A REGULAR BASIS, but eating some good Southern comfort food makes life worth living. Enjoy your bean sprouts.
CKM
January 24th, 2012
3:20 pm
@ Southern Belle, “We didn’t help her make her millions.” You’re stupid.
Mid Town Joe
January 24th, 2012
3:21 pm
Cheese Cake, anyone?
Ronnie
January 24th, 2012
3:22 pm
My grandparents born in the mtns of Tn at the turn of the century cooked with grease and none of them had high blood pressure or diabetes and all lived to late 80’s into 90’s. My great grandparents too. Why? Bc they didnt eat whole cakes or sticks of butter. They ate vegetables, fruits and not everything was soaked in sugar, butter or gravy. Paula hasnt been entertaining in yrs but a cartoon of a southerner making us all look bad. As my grannies (all of them) always said – you will get the sugar di-A-beetees if you eat too many sweets! And then they would give us a piece of fruit or some water and not a soda. Sure, if Paula Deen wants to eat and cook this way and even if she wants to make money off of the diseases she is setting herself up for – her business but pls people, dont defend her on the basis that this is somekind of southern heritage. It is not!!!
Virginia
January 24th, 2012
3:23 pm
Paula is Paula!!!! If you choose to eat her recipes then do so. Do not judge her!!! Paula is Paula!!!
Steve
January 24th, 2012
3:24 pm
Immage: Paula is still very happy person! Look at her! Big smile, great dental work! Reality: Unhappy obese (not overweight) Southern Belle, with a disguisting accent, covering everything with a fake, forced smile.
JB
January 24th, 2012
3:24 pm
Don’t knock a Hardee’s egg,sausage,cheese biscuit till you have eaten one. Damn good.
Victoria
January 24th, 2012
3:25 pm
Paula’s health issues should be a private matter unless she chooses to disclose them. There is nothing wrong with cooking and eating a recipe from Paula’s cookbooks – as long as you do it once in a while. And like everything else, keep the portions down and eat in moderation. If you are going to have a meal from Paula’s cookbooks or from her restaurant in Savannah for dinner, for heaven’s sake, eat a light breakfast and meager lunch. One of her meals once in a while isn’t going to kill you. The media makes me crazy. They find a story and then they all jump on the bandwagon. I guess it’s the cool thing to do this month – bash Paula Deen. Hang in there girl, you have done nothing wrong. What people put in their mouth is their own doing – not yours. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you holding someone down and forcing a spoon of your macaroni and cheese in their mouth!
Rafe Hollister
January 24th, 2012
3:25 pm
Have another drink, Bourdain
militant marker
January 24th, 2012
3:26 pm
Lol @ Jennifer, you call Paula Deen fake but can’t realize Anthony Bourdain is drinking from the same bucket! You cats crack me up!
JB
January 24th, 2012
3:27 pm
Steve…..just a guess, but I would bet your accent is disgusting. Like my ole friend Lewis Grizzard use to say….” Delta is ready when you are”……..
Prosper Hogue
January 24th, 2012
3:28 pm
Don’t hate because Paula Deen has become filthy rich from being a great cook. Get your lazy self off that couch and off that internet and go get a job and stop hating on her.
JB
January 24th, 2012
3:29 pm
Correct…lot’s of “occupiers” on here.
Phony Police
January 24th, 2012
3:32 pm
Paula Deen & Tammy Faye Baker
Separated at birth?
linda
January 24th, 2012
3:36 pm
I agree with Anthony Bourdain totally.
Jose
January 24th, 2012
3:42 pm
Anthony Bourdain who by his own admission spent years addicted to heroin.
Viewer38
January 24th, 2012
3:48 pm
Paula Deen is a southern woman, not a southern lady, who happened to make good on her cooking and personality.
markie mark
January 24th, 2012
3:49 pm
wow blog monster….what did I say that made you eat my post?
Dr. Phil
January 24th, 2012
3:53 pm
She is a ticking time bomb…but if you choose the behavior, you choose the consequences…
JB
January 24th, 2012
3:54 pm
Trying to come up with something to do tonight other than watch Obama. Could listen to some Castro rants I guess.
JB
January 24th, 2012
3:57 pm
Dr Phil. Have to disagree, respectfully. My Father in law is healthy and 86. Has eaten Southern everyday of his life…and still does. eggs, meat, grits, toast or biscuits every morning……….It’s genes and the Good Lord. I’ve seen bean sprout eaters and joggers die at 62.
cowpie
January 24th, 2012
3:57 pm
This ugly, fat, stupid cow should just die already. In fact, I’m surprised she’s still living.
Avg American
January 24th, 2012
3:58 pm
The decline of the avg American…fat, stupid and ugly.
JenniferM
January 24th, 2012
3:58 pm
Step outside the box and look at the facts. What this boils down to is a conflict of interest. It raises an ethical question because she is famous for promoting food types that are known to cause health problems when indulged in excess. With that said, she is also promoting a drug used to treat a disease that is directly correlated with that type of diet. On a personal level, it is no one’s business. On a business level, you have a right to know if there are unethical business practices. Just because she is loveable shouldn’t make her exempt from acting appropriately. If it were a big oil company doing the same thing, hell fire and damnation would rain down.
c-bear
January 24th, 2012
3:59 pm
Like everyone’s family recipes that everybody cherishes on family occasions – rich and tasty – are for a once in a while treat. No one should eat these recipes every meal.every day. But it sure is nice to spoil yourself every now and then. Pauls is a charm and an inspiration to many. She has gotten many people back into the kitchen to make the old-time favorites, many of hers and her families. Nothing fancy about her cooking – simple hand held mixer, no KA monster, simple utensils, hands are the best! She is very normal and down to earth – I met her once out and about with her family vacationing, what a joy – her personality is addictive. Hop on the wagon and enjoy the ride. Life is too short to hate. Good luck Paula… Michael Groover’s look-a-like!
JB
January 24th, 2012
4:01 pm
cowpie……………..a wonderful human being.
American Epidemic
January 24th, 2012
4:05 pm
The decline of the avg American…getting fatter, dumber, and uglier. Just go shopping at Walmart…
weena
January 24th, 2012
4:05 pm
Which one of the sons is the arse pirate? It’s the smaller one who crochets her hair to hide the bald spot.
Jason
January 24th, 2012
4:06 pm
When I saw the link, my initial thought was, “Great, the drug she’s pushing probably causes side effects – for which she’s willing to sell you a second drug!”
JB
January 24th, 2012
4:07 pm
American Epidemic…………Or just like the Dems want them. Not working or paying taxes….just waddling and voting.
Crazy Mofo
January 24th, 2012
4:10 pm
Why are we acting all surprised? As if OMG how could she be sick? This over-indulged non-exercising cow epitomizes the decay of our society. We are in decline folks. We are getting dumber by the day and fatter by the hour!
JB
January 24th, 2012
4:11 pm
Crazy Mofo……………yes, an Obama dream…………Just vote between bites
American Epidemic
January 24th, 2012
4:12 pm
@JB…very possibly. It’s really alarming and we are all paying for it.
weena
January 24th, 2012
4:16 pm
JB who posted at 4:07. I’m laid up in my HUD house gnawing on some cheese your tax dollars paid for and getting ready for Paula to come on. My kid’s sucking on her WIC milk. I’m about to spark a rock and get off. This internet/cable/iphone bundle is expensive, I need a new entitlement, gurl.
Stop donating those Levis to Goodwill, I only wear Baby Phat, nice fit around the arse ya know.
Crazy Mofo
January 24th, 2012
4:16 pm
Would you like a diet coke with you Big Mac and super sized fries?
JB
January 24th, 2012
4:17 pm
speaking of in trouble….did any of you see the piece about burn centers? 6 have closed in the past year due to all the meth lab burns…..and these bums have no insurance, and the hospitals can not afford to sustain them and keep them staffed because of lack of collections for services to do the meth problem. That’s where Obama care is heading. Very limited services, especially for the over 70 crowd. They get comfort care, not health care. do a little research.
Neil B.
January 24th, 2012
4:19 pm
Paula has the right to make the choices she’s made. However, she did not gain me as a fan with this most recent choice. I believe she could have made a lot more money and gained even more fans in the long run if she choose to promote diabetes prevention rather than maintenance by becoming a drug spokesperson. It’s a lost opportunity for those truly concerned about people’s health.
Also, the fact that she ate Hardee’s and Captian D’s food on the same day further ruins her credibility as a culinary expert. Southern cooking is so much more than fat, salt and sugar. Another reason why I was never a fan.
Jennifer Brett
January 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
I believe this is the piece you’re referring to, about burn centers having to close due to the cost of treating uninsured patients who burn themselves when their meth labs explode. A troubling trend:
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/ap-impact-meth-fills-1312924.html
Jennifer
Erik
January 24th, 2012
4:25 pm
Paula Deen is not FORCING anyone to eat her food. She is just cooking like our mom, grandmom,etc would do. She is not holding a gun to your head and saying you must eat my food.
Sharon
January 24th, 2012
4:27 pm
All of this Paula Deen criticism is outrageous! I love cooking her recipies! I weigh 102 pounds, exercise regularly and enjoy eating in MODERATION as Paula suggests (or anyone with common sense knows). If you look at any of the chefs on TV or in restaurants, many use rich ingredients – even tiny Giada! The media needs to leave Paula alone. A person’s health is a private matter!
Avg American
January 24th, 2012
4:31 pm
@weena….love it!
Mmmm Cheeseburger
January 24th, 2012
4:33 pm
Most healthy food sucks! I only eat it regularly so I don’t gain weight. If Paula leads a happier, shorter life full of macaroni and cheese and fried whatever then that is her choice. The cheeseburger and fries I had for lunch from Steak and Shake were delicious!!! Mmmm
FCM
January 24th, 2012
4:36 pm
@ Hmmmm
Actually Mario Batli (granted not thin) and Michael Symon very much supported Dean on their show THE CHEW.
Food Network has Bobby Deen doing a show called “Not My Mother’s Kitchen” and it was announced that Jamie Deen would be doing a show that gears toward families and healthy choices.
Being the daughter of a diabetic (diagnosed 3 years ago), who underwent triple by-pass last year I can tell you that the whole family stands stills and rethinks what they are doing.
Paula makes her main living off showing people how to cook food of a pretty much by-gone era. She cracks me up but like sugar, I can only do small quantities.
Still, I applaude her for teaching people this kind of cooking IF they chose to do it only now and again.
I loved Chef Anne’s roasted greenbeans, but a pot of greens cooked with a ham hock, oh baby!
RK
January 24th, 2012
4:37 pm
Finally, JenniferM with a sane post.
You all are making strawman arguments — this has nothing to with Paula Deen “forcing” you to eat her food.
Hypocrisy Makes Money
January 24th, 2012
4:40 pm
katsun
January 24th, 2012
3:09 pm
Just because I watch something doesn’t mean I have to cook it or eat it. I am a adult. You don’t want anyone else to tell you how to live your life, so don’t complain about how others live theirs!
*******************************************************
Why not let people on tv cook meth or crack.
We are all adults and we don’t need anyone else telling us how to live our lives.
truthbtold
January 24th, 2012
5:01 pm
You could never make a living as a healthy cook. She is famous for cooking because of the way her food tastes and looks. Health Nuts don’t watch cooking shows. They want and eat the same things the animals eat for the most part (raw veggies, grains, and tofu), and they die at an earlier age than people that eat primarily home cooking (not fast food). You never see vegans that live to be super old – most of the time they are people that lived simple lives and ate normal home cooking. Why would someone eating raw veggies and salads be interested in a cook show anyway? Leave the woman alone!!!! Hell, Italian food, French food, Cajun/Creole and Greek food is just as heavy as the Southern food that she cooks. And most Chinese restaurants are frying rice, hot wings, egg rolls, shrimp and scallops which makes Chinese food more greasy than a fast food restaurant with fries!
weena
January 24th, 2012
5:02 pm
Hey Jennifer,
Do you use Paul’s Butt Rub to make your hair lay straight?
Chris
January 24th, 2012
5:05 pm
Anthony, How many times have you promoted Lipitor on your program? I’ve heard you mention your prescription to it several times on “No Reservations.” Be funny, but don’t be mean, especially when you’re the pot calling the kettle black. She’s in her 60s and you’re in your 50s and I have a feeling she’ll outlive you, Mr. Bourdain.
By the way, I do still enjoy your show! Now, leave Paula alone!
Jennifer Brett
January 24th, 2012
5:18 pm
Weena: No. Today I used Frederic Fekkai and actually had some success, unlike the unfortunate results on the day they took this picture. Fixing my hair is like hand-to-hand combat most days. Some days are better than others. It’s a character building experience.
Jennifer
Herself
January 24th, 2012
5:26 pm
People, people, people, get your own life and live her alone. She is a 64 year old woman who doesn’t owe anyone an explanation for her health conditions. Time to live your own life – Paula is living hers – leave her alone. Be your own judge & jury and worry about your own health. So over all this public ridicule of her….get a life!
Wilna
January 24th, 2012
5:38 pm
I have been cooking food cooked the way Paula has and so far I am healthy. ( 70 yrs.old). I do not know anyother way to cook. Can’t wait for your next cookbook. I will be first in line. I’m sorry to hear of your health problems. But that is your business, no one elses. They do not have to cook the way you do. You go girl. God Bless you and keep Him in mind. He will help you through this. Keep up the good work. We love you. : )
The Nerd
January 24th, 2012
5:38 pm
I like Hardee’s or Bojangles’ biscuits (sans sausage, cheese, and/or egg). And I don’t like shrimp, period.
weena
January 24th, 2012
5:51 pm
Jennifer, You are a good sport. I always enjoy picking the scabs of the social set.
Anywho, back to Paula…
Is it true that she’s a hermaphrodite?
how many Ya'lls can you use in one sentence?
January 24th, 2012
6:31 pm
JB — you write about her as if you really know her true background… Few do. She really is a made for TV character. Most of the stories I’ve heard about her poor poor life are lies. Everyone wants the true rags to riches story – this one just isn’t it. People close enough to know the real person had to sign a non disclosure. Think about it. hmmmm? CKM said it right — they are definitely not from Savannah. It is embarrassing when people associate her with Savannah and the South.
debra ruby
January 25th, 2012
5:32 am
i think paula is one of the best cooks i love here coconut cake and alot more she cooks real life food that doesnt cost a fortune to make and taste good i am sorry she has health problems and i hope god blesses her and she gets well soon but sometimes health problems are from your parents and not food no one has the right to judge her god bless you paula i hope you well
justin
January 25th, 2012
12:22 pm
The Daily, which seems to have a source with access to Deen’s medical records, as it was the first outlet to report Deen’s diabetic diagnosis, suggests a second health revelation is in the ether.
This seems very bogus. Are we supposed to believe that a newspaper actually has access to someones Medical Records? Wouldn’t this be a case of Doctor-Patient Confidentiality? This is just gossip.
Jason in Gainesville
January 25th, 2012
12:24 pm
I have no sympathy for Paula Deen, Terrell Owens or others who are dishonest, shady and profit from the demise of others. You have received what you deserve.
dtopgun
January 25th, 2012
12:26 pm
I can’t wait to go eat at Lady and Son’s this weekend!! That food is awesome I don’t care who you are, and guess what….I want to eat it!!
Chef Tyler Teransky
January 25th, 2012
12:27 pm
Paula Deen ain’t been right since she got hit in the face by a ham. Throwing hams isn’t healthy and isn’t safe. I would never prepare a thrown ham. Would you?
Jennifer
January 25th, 2012
12:29 pm
People are made paid spokespeople for one reason – someone believes that they have an inherit level of trust and influence over people. To take that trust and influence that she earned by making the food that has made her ill, and to now use it to hawk medication to treat that illness is an insult and a slap in the face to the people that supported her to begin with. If she’d come out with this story NOT in conjunction with promoting a product, the reaction would have been much different.
Vince Doodley
January 25th, 2012
12:31 pm
I am a southern boy but to listen to that womans fake southern accent is disgusting. She comes off like a fat redneck. (which maybe she is. bless her lil ole heart.)
Her recipes no doubt taste good but will kill you if you eat them regularly. This woman also smokes? My God. She may turn out to be an Alabama fan.
AJK
January 25th, 2012
12:32 pm
I find it interesting that Paula Deen’s harshest critic, Anthony Bourdain, is a spokesperson for Merc–a competing diabetes drug company. Think maybe that’s the genesis of his jeaslousy and nasty comments? He needs to discredit her, so he can be a better spokesperson? Regardless, I love to watch Paula. I don’t cook like her, and I’m well versed in her kind of cooking as I grew up with it. I don’t watch Anthony. He just doesn’t have the personality; but I wouldn’t cook like him anyway. Face it, most of us don’t cook every day like the celebrity chefs we watch. Occasionally, maybe. Occasionally never hurt anybody!
gnomeboy
January 25th, 2012
12:32 pm
who really cares.
Grandmachick
January 25th, 2012
12:32 pm
If you are so stupid to think that you have to watch Paula (that little button that says off or change channel) or that you have to eat that kind of food everyday then you get what you ask for. I love Paula’s recepies and have all of her cookbooks. They are right beside the recepies that my grandmother (who lived to be 95 and never weighed more than 110 her whole life)and my mother (who lived to be 85) passed down to me. They are just like the ones Paula uses. I just have enough sense to know how to eat and when to eat. I wish you the very best Paula and will always be a fan.
Actually
January 25th, 2012
12:33 pm
I was born and raised in Georgia and was thrilled when Paula first started her food shows. She came across as warm, geniune and seemed the Queen of comfort food. Then she became the Queen of silly and fake. Then we all reached our saturation point with her products and family. Face it, Paula just went to the (money) well one too many times and is being called out for her greed. She needs to be big enough to own it. Her own publisher (who just quit) asked her not to make this last move but she was too greedy and filled with her own over inflated ego to listen. She deserves the press she is getting.
LT
January 25th, 2012
12:33 pm
Why is her health front page news. Not once has she said that her recipes are healthy nor does she say that people have to eat them. She is human just like everyone else. She has health problems just like everyone else. So what that she has diabetes and high blood pressure. Who cares!!! Im pretty sure she knows how to take care of herself to where it doesn’t get out of control. Keep doing what you are doing Mrs. Deen! I absolutely love the recipes you have shared and enjoy your show!
Bob Barker
January 25th, 2012
12:39 pm
If I ever saw a slim, healthy chef, they wouldn’t be much of a chef now would they! Think about it…
deegee
January 25th, 2012
12:39 pm
Oh, geez. What’s the next shocker? Her knees and hips are buckling under the weight and now she needs knee surgery?
Gracie Mae
January 25th, 2012
12:39 pm
Everyone who has ever watched Paula Deen cook knows that you can’t eat her meals day in and day out without consequence. She is no different than you or me, so leave her alone. She is facing the consequences of her own personal eating habits, as we all must do. She has no obligation to be anyone’s food police. We all know better and should each take responsibility for ourselves and our own body.
Billy
January 25th, 2012
12:41 pm
I like PD and dislike her critics. As I’ve been told when I bring up the subject of ceasing the playboy mag, “if you don’t like it, don’t read it.” You hypocrites can do the same re PD’s recipes, whether they’re light or not. As for Mr. Anthony, it’s all to draw attention and publicity to himself–what a loser.
Leave PD alone and eat your celery…
atlantatoseattle2016
January 25th, 2012
12:41 pm
why in the south are so many hypocrites???they come off as sweet and nice and then bam!!!then behind your back they smear you cut you and have deep dark secrets…this woman knew for 3 years but yet she cooked that slop and called it food and sold it to the public….I NEVER WANT TO LIVE IN THE SOUTH AGAIN ONCE I GET OUT OF METRO ATLANTA ….I LOOK FORWARD TO BEAUTIFUL SEATTLE AND SOME INTELIGENCE
Avg American
January 25th, 2012
12:42 pm
She epitomizes the decline of the avg American…fat, stupid and ugly. I’m surprised this over-indulged non-exercising behemoth is still alive.
gh's daughter
January 25th, 2012
12:43 pm
I love Paula Deen, wish her all the best in the future!
Avg American
January 25th, 2012
12:45 pm
The decline of the avg American…getting dumber and uglier by the day and fatter by the hour.
baconbits
January 25th, 2012
12:46 pm
This is just such a non-story. Who cares? A gazillion people have so-called type 2 diabetes and/or HBP. She’s not being a good role model? Good grief! Get over yourselves! Also, who cares what Tony Bourdain says? He’s just an average joe making smart aleck comments. Big deal!
urban redneck
January 25th, 2012
12:46 pm
i think i will start putting heavy cream on my raisin bran in her honor. whole sticks of butter for snacks too, y’all!!
PLEASE
January 25th, 2012
12:48 pm
You folks need to get a life, cause I’m going to guess that all you folks who are beating up on Paula Deen are a complete and total picture of health….never done anything bad or wrong in your perfect lives, and have the answer to everything, just like the current president does. You people are completely full of horse squeeze. Do the world a favor…evaporate.
Bailey
January 25th, 2012
12:52 pm
I watch her show and enjoy it. However, I choose not to cook her recipes. I eat clean and exercise 6 days a week. I am not concerned that she has health issues. She is the one who should be concerned about that and not everyone else. People should mind their own business and quit judging others so easily.
what eva!
January 25th, 2012
12:54 pm
People are so judgemental! She never said her stuff was healthy-never! I have never followed her recipes because of a personal choice, but some people do. If you don’t like it, don’t follow her.
Martha
January 25th, 2012
12:55 pm
Enter your comments here
rATL
January 25th, 2012
12:57 pm
I have no idea why people are acting so surprised and offended. If you don’t have the good sense to know that any recipe that starts with a stick of butter is bad for you then you get what you deserve. People need to start taking control and responsibility for their own lives and actions. Its not Paula Deen’s fault you are fat and unhealthy and she has absolutely no responsibility to you to keep you from getting that way. Common sense is a thing lost to most people these days it seems.
Martha
January 25th, 2012
12:58 pm
The comments on Paula Deen have gotten completely out of hand. She is a very nice lady. The fact she has come forward with her diagnosis of being a diabetic should not have anything to do with what you eat. I heard her say one time “I’m your cook…not your doctor”. That probably says it best. Unless she was in your home, she did not force feed you. She has achieved success, and I detect quite a bit of jealousy out in the “food world”.
Joe Mama
January 25th, 2012
12:58 pm
If Paula Deen included Highly Enriched Uranium in her biscuit recipes and was then diagnosed with cancer of the everything, I think there are some posters on here who would still defend her cooking, her food and her lifestyle.
I can’t stand Paula Deen, and while I support everyone’s right to cook and eat however the heck they want to, Deen is, IMO, pushing unhealthy foods and eating habits with her endorsements and marketing. It’d be different if she were just some nice older lady with a once-a-week cooking show, but lately it seems you can’t get away from her cornpone self. She’s become a force in marketing/media, and she needs to take her lumps now.
Henry
January 25th, 2012
1:00 pm
Paula Deens health doesnt make a difference in this! We all knew that she was cooking southern food. And most of us with half a brain knew that you couldnt eat that stuff everyday and in large portions and maintain your health. It was southern comfort food. Paula is not a Doctor and people have to take ownership of what they put in their own diets. Backlash against her makes no sense!
rATL
January 25th, 2012
1:02 pm
Joe Mama….so your saying people have no choice but to eat what Paula Deen tells them? Its called self control.
Lefty
January 25th, 2012
1:03 pm
Who is Anthony Bourdain? Never heard of him.
Listen
January 25th, 2012
1:03 pm
NOBODY CARES IF YOU ARE SOUTHERN OR WHATEVER. THIS WOMAN IS OBVIOUSLY ONLY INTERESTED IN MONEY, NOT MAKING GOOD FOOD OR SETTING THINGS STRAIGHT. SHE IS A PHONY LIKE SO MANY OF YOU PEOPLE SO PROUD OF BEING SOUTHERN (NOBODY CARES; BEING SOUTHERN DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING EXCEPT YOU ARE SLOW AND HAVE TERRIBLE TASTE).
vesaversa
January 25th, 2012
1:03 pm
I really don’t get the outrage and all the hoopla over Mrs Paula health . It seam to me someone is trying to destroy this very nice lady character .Southern cooking is a culture not a disease.
aon
January 25th, 2012
1:03 pm
This isn’t about being a good or bad person. It is about a high profile celebrity who was been fraudulent and disingenuous in her branding in order to profit from it. I think Paula Deen is probably a very likeable person as she comes across as super friendly. However, you cannot deny the fact that she has been dishonest with her fans and conveniently decided to expose her health issues only after her deal with the drug company was signed, sealed and delivered, and after she negotiated with The Food Network a healthier “rebranding” of her show (this woman has a recipe for fried butter balls). You can cut it any way you like but at the end of the day it is all about the Deen empire and how to minimize the damage this “revelation” will create. Besides, people are forgetful and forgiving and once the storm passes she will carry on so those of you on your soapbox – calm down!
Lefty
January 25th, 2012
1:04 pm
I’ve honestly never heard of Anthony Bourdain.
rATL
January 25th, 2012
1:07 pm
aon…I dont believe Paula has ever said that her cooking is healthy. Anyone with a brain knows that it is not. She is allowed to sell, promote and pander any type of food she wants. It is up to the individual to choose to make and eat the food or not.
deegee
January 25th, 2012
1:08 pm
What ever happened to her husband? The two of them looked like Mr. and Mrs. FatAzz America while they were scarfing down fried fish and cream puffs.
Beauregard
January 25th, 2012
1:13 pm
Well said Josette…a true southern lady. Bourdain is just a sour, snarky Yankee with fried chicken envy…..
Some of the “food” he eats on his show would surely send most normal people into cardiac arrest. Thank goodness we Southerners have developed food tolerance that us to survive the coming apocolyps. If Iran drops a bomb on us, grab the nearest bag of pork rinds and we the South shall rise again!
Joe Mama
January 25th, 2012
1:15 pm
rATL — “Joe Mama….so your saying people have no choice but to eat what Paula Deen tells them?”
You pretty clearly didn’t read where I said “I support everyone’s right to cook and eat however the heck they want to.”
“Its called self control.”
And marketing deliberately *seeks* to influence customer choices and behavior. The marketing of Paula Deen therefore, deliberately seeks to influence customers to buy and consume her food, and to prepare and eat the things she makes on her show.
If marketing didn’t work, companies wouldn’t engage in it. Therefore, the marketing of Paula Deen is working.
Barbara Dooley
January 25th, 2012
1:19 pm
Vince! Get off of this blog and git in here an rub my feet!
aon
January 25th, 2012
1:28 pm
rATL – she has known for 3 years that she has diabetes and obviously longer that she has high blood pressure. Her type of diabetes and the high blood pressure is directly related to her weight and her weight is related to her diet. Yet she continued to promote unhealth foods like fried butterballs. What part of that is not dishonest? She kept this information to herself because it would destroy the image she has created over the years (what is the first word you think of when you hear the name Paula Deen? Butter?). This is the description of the food available at her restaurant “The specialty is a buffet, which typically includes sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, deep-fried Twinkies, fried chicken, cheesy meatloaf, greens, beans, and creamed corn. Every meal is served with a garlic cheese biscuit and one of Deen’s famous hoecakes.” Yes, it is up to the individual to choose what and how much they eat; sadly it does not work that way (possibly the reason why McDonalds now offers healthier Happy Meal options). Celebrity brings a certain social responsibility whether they want it or not, that is just the way it is.
Barbara Dooley
January 25th, 2012
1:29 pm
And to atlantatoseattle2016…Delta is ready when you are…go choke on some tofu!
Actually
January 25th, 2012
1:33 pm
@LISTEN Speaking of slow, the reference to being southern is to point out for those of us who are speaking out against Paula Deen’s greed is not because we are anti-southern as you appear to be. Think outside the biased box.
Joe Mama
January 25th, 2012
1:49 pm
aon — “cheesy meatloaf”
Not to mention meaty cheeseloaf.
Secret Supporter of Occupy Bogart
January 25th, 2012
1:54 pm
Paula Dean, Paul Dean…your as mean as heavy cream! “Bore” Dane, “Bore” Dane…dring some liquior fly a plane! – Newt G…er…I mean….Moon Unit
Avg American
January 25th, 2012
2:19 pm
She epitomizes the decline of the avg American…getting fatter by the hour and dumber and uglier by the day. Frankly, I’m surprised this over-indulged non-exercising behemoth is still alive.
Avg American
January 25th, 2012
2:22 pm
A diet Coke with that mac and super sized fries please….
Gracie Mae
January 25th, 2012
3:21 pm
@atlantatoseattle: don’t let the door hit you in the butt. We’ll help you pack.
Integrity
January 26th, 2012
5:12 am
O.K. ; So you don’t like the type of food Paula cooks, and you don’t like the fact she is advertising for a diabetic medication. Just don’t eat the food and don’t take the medication. No one is forcing anyone to do anything. Paula is a wonderful success story of a lady who has worked herself up through the ranks from simply struggling to raise her sons and survive. Life is all about choices, if you do everything that is shared by most other celebrities on TV (and in publications) regarding their lifestyle choices, would the standard be any different or your health any better?
diane
January 26th, 2012
7:17 am
We watch Paula Dean to be entertained. We do not always cook the food she cooks but we sure as hell like watching her make it and dream about eating it ourselves. Bourdain’s problem is his sanctimonious attitude and his own lack of endorsements. If gluttony is Paula’s sin then envy is Bourdain’s.
J.J.
January 26th, 2012
8:11 am
Paula Deen exemplifies all that is wrong and ignorant concerning southern stereotypes. Look, I was born and raised here, but I certainly do not have to put on a fake, candy-coated sassy, over-the-top, disingenuous character to charm those people I deal with an interact with, especially the non-southerners. She is painful to watch, hear and see her fat face all over food packaging at the supermarket. Please, just go away and take your Kripsy-Kreme bun cheeseburger covered in syrup with you.
Actually
January 26th, 2012
10:42 am
Maybe this will give Paula Deen the reality check she has been over due to receive, but somehow I doubt it. One thing I think I will never figure out though. She didn’t want people to know she smoked but, she was fine with sticking her fingers in her mouth up to the first joint only to be followed with handling everything in front of her AND overstuffing her face like a defiant child. There are some things that just aren’t cute and actually become disgusting when it is thrust in your face up close and personal on the televsion. But that was ok as long as we didn’t find out she smoked….
Carlaruth
January 26th, 2012
6:26 pm
Bourdain quit smoking when he became a father. He will be the first to admit that his lifestyle choices haven’t always been the best. However, he doesn’t have a cooking show featuring deep fried lard balls covered in cheese, and his books are essays, memoirs and fiction. His issue with Paula is that she’s a hypocrite.
Actually
January 27th, 2012
10:33 am
Now, I see the Deen boys’ efforts at damage control to save themselves has timely surfaced. They’re saying they were so upset they were going to leave the familly management but Paula pressured them to go along with her latest money making scheme with the drug company. Shades of, “The devil made me do it.” How old are these two?! Its insulting to anyone’s intelligence. I am boycotting the whole lot.