Paula Deen accused of condoning sexual harassment, racist remarks

The Chicago Tribune ^ | March 5, 2012 | Richard Fausset

[Redcat]

Reporting from Atlanta— A former employee of a restaurant co-owned by Paula Deen has filed a lawsuit against the matronly celebrity cook, accusing her of condoning an atmosphere of sexual harassment and racism in her high-profile culinary empire. The suit also accuses Deen of casually referring to black people with a racial epithet.

The civil complaint, which was filed Monday in state court in Savannah, Ga., was brought by Lisa T. Jackson, a former manager at Uncle Bubba's Oyster House, one of five restaurants in Deen's group. The Savannah-based oyster house is co-owned by Deen and her brother, Earl W. “Bubba” Hiers.

Much of the 33-page complaint details what it says was boorish and racist behavior by Hiers, including accusations that he physically intimidated employees, displayed pornography at work, acted toward Jackson in a sexually degrading manner — including forcibly kissing her cheek and spitting on her — and repeatedly using racial epithets.

[lovecraft]

Bless your heart can be used that way, it can also be meant as a term of deep sympathy if the person has had anything from a bad day to a tragedy.

The "up yours way" will generally involve a smile and it's always in reply to something snobby in my experience.

This is SC, so your mileage may vary when crossing state lines... :)

[SolidRedState]

Well, I’ve been saved by the grace of southern charm
I got a mouth like a sailor and yours is more like a Hallmark card
If you wanna pick a fight, well, I’m gonna have to say good night
I don’t have to be hateful, I can just say, “Bless your heart”

And even though I don’t belong with your high life friends
Doesn’t mean we don’t get together and try to make amends
It’s easier can’t you see? Let’s agree to just disagree
We don’t have to like each other but it’s sure fun to pretend

So let’s shake hands and reach across those party lines
You got your friend just like I got mine
We might think a little differently
But we got a lot in common you will see
We’re just like you, only prettier

[Sidebar Moderator]

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