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Paula Deen and a promoter are battling over a canceled tour. (Dr. Billy Ingram / Getty Images)
Paula Deen might not have a lot of time to cook in the near future — she could be spending a lot more time with her lawyers.
According to Slashfood, the celebrity chef has been slapped with a $40 million countersuit for breach of contract by Celebrity Chefs Tours.
The suit, in response to one Deen filed in February, alleges that she and her sons failed to promote a series of appearances.
In the original suit, Deen alleges that the agency defamed her and her sons after they canceled a tour.
CCT claims Deen used bad language on stage during previous appearances. According to eater.com:
The promoter alleges that “her show is not ‘family-friendly’ and that audiences at her previous appearances have been disappointed by the fact that Paula Deen rarely cooks during her performance.”
In addition, she is facing another suit for trademark infringement over the Butter Bell label on a crock product she sold on the QVC network.
This is retarted. She has the best show on television and in person.. Who in their right mind said she did not cook during her performance. I would like to know where and when??? She does get carried away sometimes but is is family friendly. Sone of the comments children would not know what she meant if they had not heard it at home. She can only do so much. She may have had a good reason to cancel a show. Give her a break. The makes you more money than anyone I know. Find someone else to ditch on…..
Paula Dean is one of the dog gonest bestest cooks on television, yes she dose get carred away,at times,but it is just human to do that i beleive. every cooking show I watched her do she cooks, . Yes it is very retarted & so mean of someone to say that about her. Paul is a good person & I do hope & pray she wins her case.
This is a bunch of bull…. I can’t think of a better crowd drawer than Paula Deen. This promoter needs to wake-up. So she is a little colorful, big deal. That makes her Paula Deen, and so she canceled a show… I have seen dozens of shows I wish they would cancel, and hers is not one…..
yes I agree with you Albert so Paula is out going & yes that make Paula Dean who she is her self This prmoter really need to wake up & get a life.
I love Paula Deen, she must have her reasons for doing what she’s doing and I believe that, the promoter wants his fame and money using her . Shame on you Mr so called promoter!
It doesn’t matter how nice or mean she is. It matters whether she or the promoter broke the contract. That, and that alone is what the court will judge. We don’t get special passes to not uphold our end of a deal because we are nice.
She has been a business woman for many years, so I suspect she knows what the rules are. I doubt that anyone gets past her lawyers to take advantage. At the same time, they would also be there to inform her when she had the right to cancel a bad deal.
I’ll wait until the courts decide, before I jump to a conclusion
Hey Alex, we can only hope this applies when Obama is taken to court for breaking America’s contract with the Constitution. It shouldn’t matter how nice he is, only that he trashed the Constitution (I know, it has nothing to do with Paula, but had to jump in here).
Hey Don,
You’re an idiot !! Obama did not trash the constitution !! It really amazes me at how people follow the misinformed masses. zzz
I agree with you Alex. I have been watching Paula Deen and her family for many years and I like her, but as you said, “like” doesn’t enter into the equation. It what the courts decide that count.
paula deen is a schmaltzy, no-talent, fat, pretentious, phony. This hee-haw grinnin’ redneck is actually a mean spirited manipulative cow who is now finally getting what she deserves. Her show sucks.
STICKS AND STONES BABY MR MIKE C. I GUESS YOUR MAMA DID’T TELL YOU THAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO SAY THEN DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL. MAYBE YOU SHOULD LOOK IN THE MIRROR.
Paula Deen is the sweetest person to ever walk the face of the Earth. I agree with your defending her completely. But you can’t counter attack Mike by saying “if you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything at all” right before you say something that isn’t nice.
You are a mean, horrible person to talk like that MIKE Ciavilino. Who in the world do you think you are. I am sure you are some looser that like to go around and talk bad about everyone. I am sure you are a skinny dork or a fat jerk that has low self esteem. People who talk like that are miserable little human beings. Get a life… or go jump off a clif… you are SORRY!!!
Mikie,
Quit with the inuendos and say what you mean.
Mike…you are making some pretty big accusations about Ms. Deen…I take it you know all of these things first hand…or more likely you, yourself have issues. I love watching her show and know several people who have attended live shows…nothing but good things to say about the experience…you sound like a bitter person. I’m sorry.
Mike–you are so right!!! I’m glad somebody agrees with me. I don’t know if she’s mean or not, but I agree with all else.
Mike,
I think the only problem with you is that you can’t cook and so you have to put Paula down. There isn’t anything wrong with anyone being from the south. Where you from? Are y’all one of those dam# yankees? My momma taught me never to call anyone a bad name but you sir deserve to be called what i called you. May God forgive me.
WITH A NAME LIKE YOUR LAST NAME YOU NEED TO BE IN U S ANYWAY. YOU
ARE A IDIOT . YOUR ARE A HOG
Mike, you commented that her show sucks. Obviously you have watched it to be able to come to that conclusion so it can’t be too bad or you’re an idiot. When I start watching a show and find it not to my liking I go to another channel. Leave Paula alone, because she is real you can’t take it. Good people come in all kinds of packages. I suppose you are perfect!
I CONCURE WITH THE OTHER COMMENTS. ANYONE THAT WOULD DISH AGAISNT PAULA DEAN IS CUTTING THEIR OWN THROAT. PAULA IS KNOWN FOR WHO SHE IS, AND WHAT SHE SAYS. IF PEOPLE GET OFFENDED OVER A SHOW THEN THEY DON’T KNOW PAULA AT ALL. I LOVE HER FOR HER SINCE OF HUMOR. SHE HAS MADE COOKING TODAY WHAT IT SHOULD BE AND THATS FUN. I HOPE THIS PROMOTER GOES DOWN IN VAT OF “OIL”
Hey Tammie,
I agree with you, only as Paula would say, “Butter is better”
LOL
What the heck, Mike Ciavolino?! She is talented, warm, and down to earth. She has a huge following. And she’s not a redneck, but your language suggests that you might be. You might want to look in the mirror – “mean spirited” really sums you up.
Paula shows use to be good but she is very silly now i stop watching her shows
I know for a FACT that what they are saying about Paula is true…My husband and I went on a “Paula Deen” cruise, expecting to see her cook and do demonstrations, as per the advertisement for the cruise….boy, were we disappointed…She did not cook once…all she did was talk. Her language was awful…she is nothing like what she is portrayed on her show on T.V….the best way I can describe her is “trailor trash”…she happened to get lucky and be in the right place at the right time…most of the time, she didn’t look like she had even taken a shower….like she just woke up put on a wig or baseball cap and showed up for the “appearance” the food at her restaurant is no better than what you would find at the buffet line at Ryans. We also noticed during the cruise, that the only time her son Jamie and his wife Brooke was around her was when they “had” to be…such as a scheduled appearance….most of the time Jamie acted like he was totally embarrased of her. We don’t waste our time watching any of her shows anymore…she is nothing like the “character” she is playing on t.v…
Tina, you have really opened my eyes. Since you have identified yourself as actually having been on the cruise, and since you don’t seem to have any malice against Paula Deen, I can only say, I believe you. Your words are intelligent and you express your thoughts with great care. It would be fantastic if all who wrote here would do the same.
Haha, you guys are funny. Personally I think Paula Dean is really annoying. Besides her antics her cooking shows are boring and generally her cooking is without much depth. Its her fault if she didn’t carry out her part of the business agreement. To bad for her. Mike was a little harsh but everyone is entitled to thier own opinion.
p.s. Tammie can’t even spell, but her use of all capital letters is funny
Jared, since when is “their” spelled “thier”?
Judy, bowl me!
You didn’t complain when Tina spelled trailer as “trailor”. And I suspect that Tina is a jealous old bitch besides.
What you see and Hear in front of a Stage is not always what is REAL, I have heard people on stage be soo SUGARY and off stage cuss Like a Drunken Saylor. Do we know the word USED CAR SALSEPERSON.
Do I have to mispell something before I can comment on anothers shortcomings. Mike, your a marketing genius. Unfortunately, your a whop so this group won’t be able to recall the last name. Paula Dean; best thing to happen to cardiologists since quadruple bypass…… two sticks a butta ya’ll…..
What does ‘whop’ mean?
Lula,
It is actually “WOP”. It was an acronym used for Italian immigrants early in the 20th century who arrived at Ellis Island without identification.
So they would be stamped “Without Papers” or WOP.
Since that time, it has been used derisively when referring to Italian Americans.
Glad I asked for a refund from Ticketmaster when she cancelled her show in Durham, North Carolina. Broke my wife’s heart as it was her birthday present.
Hey folks, there’s two sides to every story. Let’s get the facts before we pass judgement. And personally from the comments I’ve seen, I don’t think any of you can spell correctly.
Judy, bowl me again.
Amen to Judy.
yoo two!
Please leave Paula alone she is a sweet person who loves all people and we love her so deal with things fairly and settle things the right way.
Well, I personally have always enjoyed Paulas shows but I realize that what you see may not always be total reality. After all it is television and she is human.
I hope I spelled everything correctly.
Leave Paula alone. She’s a down to earth country girl and family friendly. Unless your’e a saint there isnt anyone that hasn’t used some colorful language once in a while. Big deal she cancelled a show, so what, hasn’t anyone else called off work? And Michael Ciavolino, are you maybe jealous that you cant cook, or maybe you can but cant’ get tv program or is it the fact that she is of the older crowd or is it because she ismaking more money then anyone of us will probably ever see that you unjustifiably call her names and berate her…watch out she may come after you.
Judy, I don’t think this is a spelling bee..lol. People are passionate about what they feel is right so if they don’t spell a word correctly who really cares?
GM…your no better for using that term. There is an educational way of expressing yourself but to call names makes you just as incompetent
I think Paula is a fony,that axsent sounds foney wheather she can cook or not doesn’t matter I can’t stand to listen to her talk.I wish Food network would get rid of her.
well based on her casino food at Harrahs Casino in Tunica ,MS, she should be sued..They redid the buffet and named it Paula Deen’s Buffet , went up about $10 on the price and the food got worse..ughh I ate there 3 times to give it a chance , but every time its been terrible over all.. If this is the food she endorses then SUE BABY SUE !!!
I don’t know Paula well. But, my kids do. We share a mutual friend/babysitter. They have bounced on her bed more than a couple times and goodness knows, she fed them food they don’t get a home!
I am a car salesman. And I am aware that some readers will write this post off based on a stereotypical reputation. I am okay with that. However, there are a bunch of us that remember Paula selling bag lunches one at a time for $5 to us salespeople to raise her sons.
As they say down here, “She is good people.”
I can’t comment on her show. Saw a part one time.
Paula is Paula.
This I know: She loves life, she loves people.
Should we all be so blessed.
- P
you go Peter. Tell them like it is. some people are
just mean spirited. if they don’t like paula turn
the other way and leave her alone. i think she is
enjoyable..love watching her.
You go Peter, tell them like it is. Paula seems like a
very down to earth person. Some people are just very
mean spirited. They should just turn the other way
and leave her alone. If you don’t like her show, use
your remote….I think she is enjoyable. NO, I am not a
REDNECK either.
I’ve got to agree with “Chas”… the food at her Buffet in Tunica is a JOKE! I’ve also been there several times. After the first two times, I finally wrote to the head guy at “The Lady and Son’s” in Savannah to let them know that the food AND service was disgusting… and God forbid you try to buy something in the gift shop… I would have to mortgage my kids if I wanted to purchase something in the shop. Way over priced… and the food is also way over priced… I’ve heard several people who know see her regularly in Savannah that tell me she’s not always a nice person… keep in mind… she hides a lot. She’s even admitted that in her book.. You never see her with a cigarette in her hand, but she smokes… you never hear her swear on the show… but.. even in her book she admitted to having a potty mouth… I just wish for once that these shows would in fact portray the TRUE person… everyone is in love with a fabricated “Southern Belle”…
Pauls Deen is the program i always look for. if she is on the tv. then that is what i watch. She is a great cook. Mike keep you mouth shut if you can’t say anything nice. I hope she wins her battle in court and even becomes more wealthy than she is today. She is just a home body that says some thing that is not right for tv but she is at least honest and always show she is nobdy’s fool. She is a business woman and agreat mom and grandmother. Goooo Paula and show the promotor what a good woman is made of. Show them some good shady words and they won’t mess with you again. Good luck
No one wins in court. The contract apparently was broke and now each side is going to defend their actions. Without a counterclaim of defamation, the defendant stands to loose more. Heck, that is was lawyering is all about. I gotta hand it to Paula Dean, regardless of her language or whether she cooks or not on a cruise and greets people with a ball cap on, she is a direct woman speaking her mind and her cookbooks are awesome. Not only does she indulge us with her branded recipes, but she reaches out to her fellow cooking community to share their successes too.
I have watched Paula on TV and spent time with her in person when she was doing a book signing at Macy’s and I was her security. Just like the majority of people when at “work”, everyone has their public personas and their private ones, and like anyone else after a stressful day, she has a right to be a little grouchy. At least when most people go to work, they and their lives are not on display, they get to be anonymous and if they are not so nice, who cares. But I will say that Paula was still friendly and polite even when it was just she and I and Michael afterwards. As far as her cooking, it’s not meant to be fancy, that’s the whole point of the “down home cooking”. If you want fancy, watch Ina! I do agree that her restaurant and gift shop are a bit over-priced.
Well paulas made it you only know you’ve really made it when the wolves stop barking at the door and start attacking anyway they can.
Always remember what Martha had to say about her ordeal off camera Im sure it was “Oh sh***t” just polish your nails bright red and hang on they cant see the blood if your nails are red!
Brittany, please read what you wrote and then I will agree with you. But you must promise to read, and I mean really read and understand what you wrote. Oh, the irony. As for Deen, she has been known to use profanity on the air and I have heard her call a piece of fried food that popped her a “little bastard.” As for the sexual inuendo, one only need watch Paula’s Party to understand where that tag came from. She wrote a book and proclaimed for all the world that she had an affair with a married man in the early nineties. She felt bad about it and it was all due to her low self esteem, etc. When she married Michael she proclaimed on the air that “mama got herself a man 10 years younger than her.” Not making this up folks. It’s on tape somewhere. And the infamous “I’m gonna get pregnant on my wedding night” sometime during her’s and Michael’s wedding reception or a rehearsal party. Again, it’s on tape somewhere. She is loud and boisterous and puts extra twang in her speech. She has tried desperately to make stars out of her sons, but viewers were just fine with one Deen too many. Her show has taken a back seat of late. The Food Network not wanting to promote her anymore than necessary. If she is being sued, then I expect that those who are suing her know what they are doing. Perhaps the check that she claimed bounced, was stopped because she did not hold up her end of the deal. The truth may lie somewhere in the middle. As for me, I quit watching her show(s) a while back.
Sorry, but Paula Deen is evil on the inside. She acts all sweet and friendly, but I’ve NEVER seen anything (behind the scenes) where she is anything but full of herself and downright rude to everyone around her. She has a serious God-complex she needs to get over. You even see it come out (frequently) while she’s being so ‘sweet’ on her shoes.
This is ridiculous…do you all REALLY believe that how a person on presents themselves on television and other media is how they are in real life? It’s called a public personna, people…witness Martha Stewert when the cameras aren’t rolling.
Paula Deen is a natural, unlike many phony & fake celebs out there.
She says what’s on her mind and she tells it like it is. Who can question her honesty and sincerety?
So what if she colors her speech now and then. Is there anyone who hasn’t done so in their lifetime?…I think not!!! What is the big deal? Some of you should get a life. Your’re just jealous of Paula’s success and fame.
Go Paula!!!
Tina, which cruise did you go on? This past January?
Tina, which cruise did you go on?
Paula Deen has admitted what was alleged against her! In pleadings filed in court on April 5th by her lawyers in response to the $40 million counter-claim against her by promoter Celebrity Chefs Tour, LLC, Paula Deen has admitted that her agent never signed the contract that would have allowed the money for her appearances to be sent to him as an escrow agent. She has also admitted that she issued the defamatory statements that Celebrity Chefs Tour alleged. Finally, she now admits that she was wired $100,000 from the promoter.
When we saw Paula Deen in West Palm Beach, she was very rude, very late and the food was awful! The only thing she did was sign autographs and take pictures. We paid a pretty penny to hear her speak and she didn’t even do that. She complained the whole time we were getting her autograph.
some people don’t like anything any way
Paul is contracted under Food Network to do a show and present an image. She fits these appearances in where she can and sometimes things do not work out. In her defense I can understand presenting a product for someone you are paid by to do so and be “nice” doing it. It is how I make a living and how she does as well. Am I always nice and sweet as I “appear” to be in my workplace? No I am not! I drink like a sailor, swear like one and trust me, if I am crossed at work I DO stick up for myself. Paula also has suffered from Agoraphobia, something I can identify with myself. I do not always feel like being on “show” and it can get old at times “entertaining” people who are not always nice. I still get Paula’s magazine, I still watch her on her show and other appearances and I still love her, always will. Give her a break people, and put your green feet in her shoes sometime.
It was supposed to say Paula…sorry bad typing skills.
I WILL NEVER SAIL WITH CELEBRITY AGAIN. I SAIL ONCE A YEAR. ALWAYS WANT SOMETHING FOR NOTHING. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORKS PAULA. I WILL BE GOING IN JANUARY 2011 CRUISE ALSO I WENT ON LAST ONE.
GOOD JOB SEE YOU IN 2011
PAULA DEEN IS A PIG! Her recipes are disgusting. I’m sick and tired of her using her show to showcase her sons in the hopes to get them a show of their own, and publicity for their success. Is it HER SHOW, or NOT?!!!! And food network should be ashamed of themselves for promoting her and recipes that promote heart disease and poor health. This is why many of the chefs that have left the food network have so many horrible things to say about the Food Networks standards. I rather watch the cooking channel. And note, Paula Deen CAN NOT get a show on the cooking channel – thank God!
Funny how everyone can knock on someone, like every one of you are saints. So she smokes, so what! So she swears, so what! Grow up people, no one cares how “perfect” you all pretend to be. This woman is a success and none of you are. If you don’t like her, don’t watch her, if you don’t like her food, eat something else, and NOONE cares about your opinions. “Something2say” has NOTHING to say! Hmmmmm…..