Paula Deen

Paula Deen Dropped by Smithfield Foods

Deen's net worth is estimated at $16 million.
Deen’s net worth is estimated at $16 million. Photo: Courtesy of the Food Network

Things just keep getting worse for Paula Deen: After reports of alleged past racism made headlines one week ago, the Food Network released a statement announcing it will not renew her contract next month when it comes up for renewal. Television network QVC issued a statement this morning announcing it was “closely monitoring” the ongoing fallout over the allegations and subsequent apology, and now a representative of pork megaproducer Smithfield Foods has released a statement to Eater announcing it has severed ties with Deen.

Here’s the word from Keira Lombardo, the company’s vice-president of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications:

“Smithfield condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen. Smithfield is determined to be an ethical food industry leader and it is important that our values and those of our spokespeople are properly aligned.”

Deen’s net worth is estimated at $16 million, which includes a staggering array of deals with everyone from Wal-Mart to Serta mattresses. (Her Smithfield deal was worth an estimated $900,000 in 2010.) It’s not clear how many jobs are expressly connected to the roster of the celebrity chef’s various business endeavors and partnerships with corporations, which includes shows, a magazine, and a line of branded specialty foods.

Smithfield Foods Terminates Relationship With Paula Deen [Eater]
QVC is ‘reviewing business relationship’ with Paula Deen [EW]
Earlier: Here’s Your Monday-Morning Paula Deen News Update
Related: Buttered Up: A Look at Paula Deen’s Financial Empire

Paula Deen Dropped by Smithfield Foods