Stars at the BET Awards expressed their surprisingly sympathetic thoughts on Paula Deen’s recent n-word controversy, while others have taken to Twitter to make their opinions known.
“If you take someone from the Deep South, and I'm from the South, sometimes you’ve got to understand where they come from -- not to say it's right,” said Jamie Foxx on the red carpet at the awards on Sunday, according to Extra.
Chris Tucker, who hosted the awards, chimed in, “I think everybody deserves a second chance.”
Kevin Hart questioned the severity of her consequences: “I think she made a mistake. I definitely think there should be consequences. I think they were a little severe. Taking everything away from the woman was a bit much.”
Multiple things have been taken away from Paula Deen, including her five-book deal as well as her business relationships with Walmart, Sears, JC Penney, and Caesars Entertainment.
“Walmart dumped Paula Deen, but continued to sell AR-15 assault rifles after Sandy Hook—interesting ethical credo,” he wrote, according to E! Online.
“That doesn't mean I support what the errant celebrities did,” he continued, “just means I admire loyalty in times of crisis #pauladeen.”
“I feel fonder to firms that stand by shamed celebrities, than I do to those that dump them like a sack of spuds. #PaulaDeen #loyalty,” Morgan explained.
Donald Trump put in his two cents: “Paula Deen made a big mistake in using a forbidden word but must be given some credit fot (sic) admitting her mistake. She will be back!”
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