Walmart “Will Not Place New Orders” For Paula Deen Products

Paula Deen cookware at Walmart.

Paula Deen cookware at Walmart.

Paula Deen’s business deals are sliding away faster than a pat of butter on a pile of hot cakes: Joining Caesars Entertainment, Smithfield Foods and the Food Network, Walmart has announced that it’s cutting ties to the southern chef. QVC also said earlier this week that it had “concerns” over the recent controversy involving Deen’s use of racial epithets.

Deen made a tearful appearance this morning on the Today show to address the blitz of media attention surrounding her admission of using racist language, but that doesn’t appear to have salvaged her relationship with Walmart.

The mega-retailer had been carrying a variety of products with the Deen name since 2011, including cookware, grocery items and health and wellness products.

“We will not place new orders beyond those already committed,” said Dave Tovar, a Wal-Mart spokesman, via the Associated Press. “We will work with suppliers to address existing inventories and agreements.”

He added that Walmart is in the midst of working out the details with suppliers.

Meanwhile, Target, which also carries Deen-branded merchandise, said again today that it was “evaluating the situation.”

Walmart Cuts Ties With Paula Deen [Associated Press]

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