Paula Deen Severs Relationship with Long-Time Agent Over Scandal

Embattled celebrity chef Paula Deen has announced that she will be parting ways from the agent who was instrumental in helping her launch "Paula's Home Cooking," according to the Associated Press.

Deen had worked with New York agent Barry Weiner for over 10 years as they worked together to build an empire around Deen's culinary skills. In the last couple of weeks all of that hard work has fallen to the wayside after Deen admitted that she had used racial slurs in the past.

"Paula Deen has separated from her agent," Elana Weiss, Deen's spokeswoman, said. "She and her family thank him for the tireless effort and dedication over the many years."

In the weeks since a legal deposition that had Deen admitting under oath that she had used racial slurs leaked to the public Deen has had to watch as most of her sponsors raced to distance themselves from the 66-year-old chef. The Food Network responded by pulling her show off the air almost immediately. Smithfield foods was not far behind as the pork producer no longer wanted Deen to endorse their products. Wal-Mart and Target followed by announcing that they would no longer sell any of Deen's products, according to the Associated Press.

After the controversy became public Deen's cookbook quickly became the number one seller on Amazon. Despite that success Deen's publisher, Ballantine, still decided to part ways with her.

Deen reminisced affectionately about Weiner in her book "Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cookin.'"

"Barry and Gordon felt like there was a show somewhere inside this Paula character that could be very successful," Deen said. "They probably courted Food Network for two years trying to push me at them. Barry is affectionately known in my family as Barry Cuda. Perfect name for an agent."

One of the only remaining companies to keep their relationship with Deen is QVC, although they are taking a break. CEO Mike George released a statement explaining to QVC customers that they will slowly phase out Deen's products but left the door open for her potential return, something none of her other sponsors have done, according to US Magazine.

"We too are troubled by what Paula has acknowledged saying," George said. "We're also troubled by the allegations against her. We deeply believe, as you do, that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect...Together we have considered what is best for our customers, for Paula, and for QVC. For now, we have decided to take a pause. People deserve second chances. And we always strive to do the right thing."