Paula Deen Visits Chicago, Says She'll Fight Harassment Allegations
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Celebrity Chef Paula Deen is in Chicago for a cooking demonstration at the International Home + Housewares Show, as she faces a lawsuit for alleged sexual harassment.
But Deen tells WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller that she will see her accuser in court and fight the allegations.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller reports
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Deen has co-owned a restaurant called Hiers' Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House with her brother, Bubba Hiers, in Savannah, Ga. They are being sued by a former general manager, Lisa Jackson.
Jackson claims she was sexually harassed by Deen's brother, whom she says targeted her with unwanted advances, watched pornography in an office they shared, and distributed pictures of two women having sex together at a meeting in the office, CBS News reports.
CBS News says Jackson, who is white, also claims Deen and her brother used racial slurs. She alleged that Hiers made black staffers use a different entrance and banned them from using a customer restroom that white employees were permitted to use, among other allegations.
Deen says all the allegations are resolutely false.
"I'm going to see her in court, darling," Deen told WBBM Newsradio. "There's absolutely no truth. So like I said, I'm looking forward to just seeing her in court. Right will prevail."
Deen also came out about her Type 2 diabetes not long ago. He disclosure prompted a backlash from many commentators, including CBS 2's Walter Jacobson, who pointed out that many of her recipes are high in calories, sugar, fat and cholesterol.
But Deen says she is well.
"I'm doing great," she said.
And she says she's a big fan of Chicago too.
'"I love Chicago," Deen said. "It's my favorite big city."
