Paula Deen Unleashes Scathing Attack on Late Anthony Bourdain: ‘He Didn’t Like Anyone, Not Even Himself

As a journalistic expert providing a well-researched, analytical take with key insights and data, I’m Zoe Bennett, and I’m here to dissect the latest controversy surrounding celebrity chef Paula Deen. In a shocking turn of events, Deen has launched a scathing attack on the late Anthony Bourdain, seven years after his tragic suicide.

Paula Deen, 78, has taken a swipe at fellow celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain in her new documentary, “Canceled: The Paula Deen Story,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday. The documentary features archival footage and Deen’s present-day comments, painting a picture of a long-standing feud between the two culinary personalities.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Deen recalled in the doc that Bourdain once called her the “most dangerous woman in America.” This sentiment was echoed in 2011 when journalists described Bourdain’s comments about Deen as labeling her the “worst, most dangerous person in America.” The documentary also includes an old clip of Bourdain expressing his disdain for Deen’s Southern cuisine, stating that it wasn’t authentic.

Deen, however, was not one to back down. In an interview on “The Joy Behar Show,” she fired back at Bourdain, saying, “Maybe [my food] is bad for you, but I don’t go around eating or serving unwashed anuses of wildebeests.” This jab was likely a reference to Bourdain’s adventurous eating habits, which often featured exotic and unconventional dishes.

In her present-day interview in the doc, Deen expressed her disdain for Bourdain, saying, “I don’t know what he was off in these foreign countries eating. Bat brains or something like that. I think I’ll just stick with my fried chicken.” She added, “God rest his soul. I felt like he didn’t like anybody. Not even himself, maybe.”

The documentary also highlights Deen’s infamous 2013 racism scandal, which tarnished her career. Deen was being sued by a former employee, and it was revealed that she had used the N-word in the transcript of her legal deposition. In “Canceled,” Deen’s lawyer, Bill Glass, defended her, saying that people “should not take any issue” with her using the racial slur in context. Deen herself admitted to using the word, saying, “Yes, of course I’ve used that word.”

The feud between Deen and Bourdain dates back to 2011, when Bourdain made comments about Deen’s cooking and her brand. Deen had extended an invitation to Bourdain to come to her house for a home-cooked meal, but Bourdain declined, saying it would take “nuclear war” for him to agree to eat Deen’s cooking.

The documentary “Canceled: The Paula Deen Story” offers a candid look at Deen’s life and career, including her infamous feud with Bourdain. While Deen’s comments about Bourdain may be seen as insensitive by some, they also highlight the complexities of their long-standing feud.

In conclusion, Paula Deen’s comments about Anthony Bourdain have sparked a renewed debate about their feud and the culinary world’s reaction to their rivalry. As we reflect on this controversy, it’s clear that the lines between personal and professional opinions can become blurred, especially in the public eye.

That wraps up today’s analysis. Stay informed, stay critical, and follow the facts.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Entertainment Weekly
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed