Walmart Store Inc. just announced that it will stop carrying Paula Deen’s products, which have been available in the company’s superstores since 2011.
The corporation will not place “any new orders beyond what’s already committed,” reported USA Today, in light of the recent racism scandal.
Walmart is the fourth and largest company to drop the celebrity chef, preceded by the Food Network, Smithfield Foods, and Caesars Entertainment.
The third, Caesars Entertainment, said it “reached a mutual agreement with Paula Deen Enterprises” not to renew their relationship, according to the Wrap.
The company will rebrand its Paula Deen-themed restaurants in upcoming months.
“While we appreciate Paula’s sincere apologies for statements she made in her past that she recently disclosed during a deposition given in response to a lawsuit, after thoughtful consideration of their impact, we have mutually decided that it is in the best interests of both parties to part ways at this time,” said the company’s executive VP ofcommunications and government affairs, Jan Jones Blackhurst.
Many fans, and some celebrities, have come to Paula Deen’s defense. Donald Trump tweeted, “Paula Deen made a big mistake in using a forbidden word but must be given some credit for admitting her mistake. She will be back!”
Image: Paula Deen's Twitter