Paula Deen recently opened up about a memorable misstep she made while on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which she revisited in her new documentary, “Canceled: The Paula Deen Story.” The celebrity chef recalled gifting a ham to Ellen DeGeneres, unaware that the TV host is a committed vegan. During the show, Deen humorously handed over the ham, describing DeGeneres as her “favorite ham,” only to later discover that DeGeneres does not consume meat. Reflecting on the incident, Deen confessed she felt embarrassed, admitting she was unaware of DeGeneres’s dietary preferences.
DeGeneres, who ended her daytime talk show in 2022 after controversies regarding a reportedly toxic workplace, has not publicly commented on the gift incident beyond a representative clarifying her vegan status.
Deen’s documentary, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, delves into her career journey, from starting a modest catering business to a successful 11-year run on the Food Network. However, Deen’s career trajectory was significantly altered after a 2013 deposition revealed she had used a racial slur, causing her to lose major business deals and face public backlash. This pivotal moment is explored in the documentary, capturing the aftermath and her family’s response to the fallout.
In a recent interview, Deen recounted her distress over the controversy, highlighting how quickly she lost business relationships with major companies. Her son Bobby Deen, however, stressed the importance of focusing on their family’s resilience and the continued success of their business amid adversity. Despite the challenges, Bobby reassured that their family and business remained intact, though Paula Deen expressed that the incident took a heavy toll on her personally.
The documentary portrays Deen’s resilient spirit, as she attempts to navigate the complex dynamics of her public persona, family life, and business endeavors in the wake of past controversies. Through candid interviews, Deen reflects on her experiences and seeks to provide context and closure to a chapter that has significantly influenced her public image and personal journey.