Paula Deen dropped by Target, diabetes drug maker distances

Two more companies are severing ties with Paula Deen.

Target announced Thursday that it is ending its relationship with the celebrity cook amid the controversy surrounding her admission to using racial slurs in the past.

"We have made a decision to phase out the Paula Deen merchandise in our stores as well as on Target.com," a spokesperson said. "Once the merchandise is sold out, we will not be replenishing inventory."

Diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk is also distancing itself from Deen.

"Novo Nordisk and Paula Deen have mutually agreed to suspend our patient education activities for now, while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed," the company said in a statement. "Novo Nordisk would like to acknowledge Paula's  in our 'Diabetes in a New Light' campaign, where she has helped make many people aware of type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle changes needed to control this serious disease."

These announcements follow ones from Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Caesars Entertainment, who all said Wednesday that they were dropping their deals with Deen.

"We are ending our relationship with Paula Deen Enterprises and we will not place new orders beyond those already committed," a Wal-Mart spokesperson said. "We will work with suppliers to address existing inventories and agreements."

Caesars Entertainment Corp. announced it will re-brand Deen-themed restaurants at four of its properties, and Home Depot said it will stop carrying Deen-branded kitchen and cookware items on its website. Deen has also lost her contract with the Food Network and her deal with Smithfield Foods.

The 66-year-old TV personalityappeared on the "Today" show Wednesday morning to address the fallout, giving a tearful interview in which she said she's not racist.