The controversy surrounding Paula Deen’s use of the N-word has polarized fans across the nation as some are happy about the cooking star’s sinking career, while others have been coming to her defense. But Deen recently got some surprise support from civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, who claimed that Paula Deen shouldn’t be judged so harshly by words she used decades ago.
During a recent interview with TMZ, Sharpton was asked his thoughts on Deen’s recent apology for using the N-word in the past. The reverend explained that it’s unfair to judge her for something she did so many years ago.
“A lot of us have in the past said things we have regretted saying years ago,” said Sharpton.
The reverend claims that Deen should instead be judged by the outcome of a current court case in which a former employee claims that Deen and her brother, Bubba, used racially offensive language, and that Bubba was sexually inappropriate.
“You can’t deal with what is fair and not fair till we see the outcome of the present circumstances she’s accused of … not something 20 years ago,” said Sharpton.
Although there is logic in what Shaprton is saying, it doesn’t help Deen’s case for fair judgment when videos of her recent racially inappropriate comments keep popping up online.
But Sharpton’s not the only one who is defending Deen. Check out some other stars that have come to her defense below. – nicholas robinson
