Paula Deen loses two more deals
Celebrity chef Paula Deen poses for a portrait in New York Jan. 17, 2012. / CARLO ALLEGRI/AP
Updated 4:04 p.m. ET
Despite her heartfelt apology and tears on the "Today" show Wednesday, Paula Deen continues to lose business relationships.
Wal-Mart announced on Wednesday that it has ended its relationship with the celebrity cook.
"We will not place new orders beyond those already committed," a rep for the company said, adding, "We will work with suppliers to address existing inventories and agreements."
Caesars Entertainment Corp. also announced Wednesday that it is severing ties with Deen. In a statement, the company stated that it had reached "a mutual agreement" with Paula Deen Enterprises not to renew their business relationship.
Caesars operates Paula Deen-themed restaurants at four of its properties, including the Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Harrah's Tunica in Mississippi, Harrah's Cherokee in North Carolina and Harrah's Joliet in Illinois. The company said it will work to re-brand the properties in the coming months.
Caesars Executive Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs Jan Jones Blackhurst said the company appreciated Deen's "sincere apologies" for the statements, but in the end it was not enough to keep their ties alive.
"After thoughtful consideration of their impact, we have mutually decided that it is in the best interests of both parties to part ways at this time," Blackhurst said.
Since admitting she made racial slurs during a recent lawsuit deposition, the southern celebrity cook and restaurateur has lost many deals, including her contract with the Food Network, and her deal with Smithfield Foods, for which Deen served as a spokeswoman and had her own line of hams since 2006. QVC is reportedly still deciding whether or not it will continue to be involved with Deen.
Deen's two sons spoke out on her behalf on Tuesday, saying that their mom was not a racist.
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