Paula Deen ‘Does Not Condone’ the Use of Racial Slurs, Says Lawyer

Paula Deen has come under fire for allegedly using racial slurs in the past, but  according to her lawyer, she’s not a racist.

“Contrary to media reports, Ms. Deen does not condone or find the use of racial epithets acceptable,” her lawyer, Bill Franklin, told ABC News in a prepared statement. “She is looking forward to her day in court.”

The celebrity chef and her brother are being sued for racial and sexual discrimination by Lisa Jackson, a former manager of their restaurant.  According to The Associated Press, in a court deposition filed Monday in federal court, Jackson’s attorney asked Deen, 66, if she’d ever used the N-word. She allegedly responded, “Yes, of course.”

Deen reportedly added that she likely used the derogatory term decades ago, when a black man put a gun to her head during a bank robbery.

Deen became a household name through her shows on the Food Network, “Paula’s Best Dishes” and “Paula’s Home Cooking.”

In a statement to ABC News, the network said it is keeping an eye on Deen’s legal situation.

“Food Network does not tolerate any form of discrimination and is a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion,” said a Food Network spokeswoman.  “We will continue to monitor the situation.”

(Photo credit: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)