NEW YORK – Paula Deen lost another part of her empire Monday, when Smithfield Foods said it was dropping her as a spokeswoman.

The announcement came days after the Food Network said it would not renew the celebrity cook’s contract in the wake of revelations that she used racial slurs in the past.

Smithfield sold Paula Deen-branded hams in addition to using her as a spokeswoman. In a statement, the company said it “condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen.”

QVC also said it was reviewing its deal with Paula Deen Enterprises to sell the star’s cookbooks and cookware.

Sears said the company “is currently exploring next steps as they pertain to Ms. Deen’s products.” Walmart, which sells Deen’s cookware, was expected to have a statement later Monday.

The rapid downfall came after revelations that the 66-year-old Food Network star admitted using racial slurs in the past in a deposition in a discrimination lawsuit. Deen was asked under oath if she had ever used the N-word. “Yes, of course,” Deen said, though she added, “It’s been a very long time.”

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Deen insisted she and her family do not tolerate prejudice, and in a videotaped apology, she asked fans and critics for forgiveness.

Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment Corporation, which has Deen’s restaurants in some of its casinos, said Friday that it “will continue to monitor the situation.” Publisher Ballantine, which has a new Deen book scheduled to roll out this fall, used similar words.

Dr. Oz trying out lifestyle magazine

NEW YORK – Dr. Mehmet Oz is trying his own lifestyle magazine.

Hearst Magazines said Monday a pilot issue will be published early next year, followed by a second issue, “which could lead to a regular frequency in the second half of 2014.”

Oz said the magazine “will provide women with everything they need to feel inspired and live a long, healthy, joyful life.”

Earlier this month, “The Dr. Oz Show” won its third Daytime Emmy Award for best informative talk show.

 


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