As news unfolds, and word gets out about the use of the N-word from Food Network Star, Paula Deen, many fans are outraged about her dismissal from the network.
According to The Los Angeles Times, many fans answered in an uproar when news spread that, Paul Deen, from Food Network show, Paula's Home Cooking, was being released from her contract when using a the derogatory N-word. A publicist began a hashtag of #TeamPaulaDeen which in fact turned into a trending topic:
"SHAME on you food network for canceling Paula dean!!!!!” This was one of the first tweets that poured in after the hashtag was created that generated more than 600 likes. Other supporters had said things like: "Sorry, I don't think people should be forever damned for bad decisions made years ago.. #TeamPaulaDeen," and "“Well Ms. Paula I'm a fan. I don't expect you to be perfect.”
Skipping the interview with the Today Show on Friday made many fans skeptical of her as well according to E! Online. Matt Lauer in particular was not at all pleased with her non appearance to the show:
"She told me, Savannah, 'I don't know how to be anything but honest.' I said fine...She got on a plane, arrived in New York City last night and then we started to hear from her people that she is 'exhausted,'" said Lauer.
"She has not called us at all this morning. Her publicity person and I spoke a little while ago.Simply said, they believe she is in the hotel, but she has not confirmed anything other than that she is not here right now," he said."
Although many are disappointed, Al Roker and Lauer are both hoping for her reconsideration saying that "she really needs to address this." Some fans are hoping for the best and some fans are not as lenient; but for right now, the only thing for certain is her release from the Food Network.