Paula Deen appeared on the "Today Show" with Matt Lauer for her first TV interview since the scandal broke about her past use of the N-word.
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An emotional Paula Deen fought back tears at first, defending herself and then thanking those who have stood behind her. Lauer kept pushing Deen and asking her point blank whether or not she is a racist. Lauer has been criticized by some as having been too harsh on Deen. Lauer would frequently interrupt Deen as she attempted to make her apology.
Matt Lauer came at Paula Deen as if he was interviewing a cold hard criminal and not America's (former) favorite Food Network star. The "Today Show" Facebook page was full of comments coming to Deen's aid and attacking Lauer for his treatment of her.
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Debbie Kay Hall writes, "For God Sake leave the woman alone now! It happened 30 years ago. She has apologized and been humiliated enough."
"Leave her alone. I'm African American and I'm not offended," posted Nakia L. Lewis-Lane. "I actually don't [care] if she said it. She said sorry now it's time to move forward. The person she was then may not be who she is today. I've said racial slurs about others and my own people! So I can't judge her for what she said. I feel like she was attacked during this interview."
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During the interview with Matt Lauer, Paula Deen had a hard time fighting back the tears as Lauer questioned her character. The veteran NBC anchor asked Deen if she was upset because she is potentially losing millions of dollars or because she is genuinely sorry for having used the N-word.
Deen explained that she was raised to respect others no matter their race or sexual orientation. She said there are only two kinds of people she does not like and would discriminate against and that's liars and thieves.
"I believe that every creature on this earth, every one of God's creatures was created equal," Deen told Lauer. "No matter who you choose to go to bed with at night, no matter what church you go to pray. I believe that everyone should be treated equal, and that's the way I was raised and that's the way I live my life."
As the interview continued, Lauer asked Paula Deen about the professional fallout from this scandal and whether or not she understands that people are offended by the N-word. Lauer also asked if Deen was two-faced and wondered if there is another side to the sweet southern lady we see on TV.
"There isn't a side of you that is intolerant and perhaps views others as not equal?" Lauer asked.
Deen just kept shaking her head saying "no" over and over adding, "What you see is what you get."
No longer able to contain her emotions Paula Deen broke down saying that she made a mistake and owned up to it because she is not a liar. Deen then looked straight into the camera and said,
"I'll tell you what if there is anyone out there that has never said something that they wish they could take back, if you're out there please pick up that stone and throw it so hard at my head that it kills me. Please I want to meet you, I want to meet you."
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