Paula Deen criticizes Anthony Bourdain following his suicide in a new documentary, reaching a new level of questionable behavior.
In the recently premiered documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival, "Canceled: The Paula Deen Story," the public feud between celebrity chef Paula Deen and the late Anthony Bourdain is revisited. The documentary delves into the heated exchanges between the two culinary personalities, with a particular focus on the tragic death of Bourdain by suicide in June 2018.
Paula Deen, a well-known TV personality and restaurateur, expresses her sympathy towards Bourdain in the documentary, stating, "God rest his soul. I felt like he didn't like anybody. Not even himself, maybe." It is suggested in the documentary that Bourdain probably did not like anyone, including himself.
The feud between Deen and Bourdain began in 2011 when Bourdain referred to Deen as the "worst, most dangerous person in America." This was in response to Deen's endorsement of a type-2 diabetes drug after she revealed her diagnosis in 2012. Bourdain criticized Deen's endorsement, claiming it would take "nuclear war" for him to eat her cooking.
The feud escalated in 2013 when Deen was dropped from the Food Network and lost several endorsement deals. The reason for her dismissal and loss of endorsements was her admission to using the N-word in a past deposition related to a racial discrimination lawsuit she was facing.
The documentary also highlights the great tragedy and loss for culture at large that Bourdain's death represented. His death was widely mourned, with many acknowledging his significant impact on the culinary and TV worlds.
In light of the sensitive nature of the documentary's content, it is important to remember the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States (988) and Befrienders.org, which provides a list of international suicide helplines. The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, can be reached at 1-866-488-7386.
"Canceled: The Paula Deen Story" serves as a poignant reminder of the public feud between Deen and Bourdain, as well as the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of culinary television and the complexities of public figures' personal lives.
