Paula Deen continued her honest admissions in 2012 by telling the world she had been diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. What better way to educate the world about diabetes than to become the spokesperson for a daily insulin injection? (Victoza by Novo Nordisk). Well, actually, it’s even better to release a line of flavored butter, because obviously, that’s what diabetics need more of. Well, at least butter helped make Deen’s career.
Obviously, there was some criticism that, even after her own diagnosis, Deen continued to push her less-than-healthy food lines. But that’s what she’s been known for, right? Deen’s cooking has long been criticized for its unhealthy standards.
Flay Finishes Early
"Iron Chef" suffered another awkward episode in 2017 when Bobby Flay threw off his chef's jacket in the middle of a show. Beneath his jacket, the famed chef wore a t-shirt that read, “THIS IS MY LAST IRON CHEF BATTLE EVER.” While Flay considered the stunt some good publicity, The Food Network did not agree with the star. He had not checked with any executives about his antics beforehand.
There was no way to blur the words and the network was forced to air the episode. It's not clear how the incident really ended. Flay later claimed he never intended to quit The Food Network. He even agreed to return to "Iron Chef" if he was asked. Why did he want to leave in the first place? Claims have surfaced that say the show's schedule was just too physically demanding.
People Hear What You Say
Deen did admit, during a deposition, to using the "n-word" sometime in her past. She claimed, however, "That's just not a word that we use as time has gone on. Things have changed since the '60s in the south." The attorney representing Deen in the case claimed, "Ms. Deen does not condone or find the use of prejudis epithets acceptable."
Eventually, the entire case was dismissed, but it was too late for the Paula Deen empire. The Food Network fired Deen and her products were later dropped by sellers including Target, Sears, and Walmart. The only product in the Paula Deen line that remained were her cookbooks.
The Show Must Go On
"Down Home with the Neelys," was a popular program on The Food Network that premiered in 2008, starring Gina and Pat Neely. Despite their on-camera charm and family-friendly attitude, it's been said that Gina and Pat actually hated each other, for the entire run of their show. The couple was together for 23 years before Gina filed for divorce in 2014.
Gina went on to tell People Magazine that she, "Never wanted to be a TV chef. I was a branch manager at a bank. I was going to divorce Pat prior to the show." Gina went on to work in TV over at the Bravo Network. She had not spoken to Pat since the divorce.
What's Happening in Napa?
Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello was a hit on The Food Network. Another hit took place in 2016 when Chiarello was pulled over in Napa California by the Highway Patrol and arrested for both driving under the influence and possession of substances. The celebrity chef was taken to Napa County Jail before posting bail and being released. Chiarello announced that he planned to refute the Highway Patrol's charges.
He didn't know that his driving would soon be the least of his legal troubles as he was later involved in a harassment lawsuit that two former employees filed against him.