Paula Deen: Case Officially Dismissed
Paula Deen’s lawsuit was officially dismissed by US District Judge William T. Moore Jr. The dismissal includes a provision that both parties shall pay their own attorney fees and court costs.
The lawsuit was filed by Lisa Jackson, a former employee. Jackson contends that Deen and her brother Bubba Hiers subjected her to racial discrimination. She further argued that Deen and Heirs were mentally and physically abusive.
As reported by CNN, Jackson worked for two different restaurants owned by Deen and her brother. The Lady and Sons and Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House are both located in savannah, Georgia.
Judge Moore dismissed the racial discrimination portion of the case earlier this month. Within the last few weeks, attorneys for both sides arranged an agreement to dismiss the remaining charges. However, the agreement needed the judge’s approval.
The judge agreed with the dismissal, officially ending the case that cost Paula Deen her career. As reported by E!, the case was dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled at a later date.
The parties involved have not disclosed whether a settlement was included in the dismissal.
Paula Deen is relieved about the dismissal, and ready to move forward from the controversy:
“While this has been a difficult time for both my family and myself, I am pleased that the judge dismissed the race claims, and I am looking forward to getting this behind me, now that the remaining claims have been resolved.”
In a deposition related to the lawsuit, Deen admitted making racial slurs and suggestions. However, she contends it was something that happened years ago. She was apologetic for her past behavior.
Despite her apology, Deen’s admission led to a media frenzy and public outcry against the Food Network Star. Dean lost her cooking show, the publishing of her latest cookbook, and a majority of her endorsements.
Within weeks, Paula Deen’s entire career was destroyed.
The lawsuit that started the firestorm has now been dismissed. Paula Deen admits that she made mistakes, and is ready to start rebuilding her life.
[Image via carrie-nelson / Shutterstock.com]
