In a statement from their headquarters in Bentonville, AR, Walmart announced that its relationship with Paula Deen Enterprises would not last past its current contractual agreement. According to Business Insider, the retailer was working with distributors on its current inventory."We are ending our relationship with Paula Deen Enterprises and we will not place new orders beyond those already committed. We will work with suppliers to address existing inventories and agreements," Walmart's director of corporate communications Danit Marquardt said in a statement.
Deen supporters have made their way to Walmart's Facebook page, announcing their disdain on several posts.
"Bad choice Walmart my family spends at least $12k a year in your stores not anymore will gladly pay more or do without before I spend a dime in Walmart again," said Charity Milam Rodriguez. "Superstore no SUPER STUPID! PS: Mr. Walton would be ashamed of this decision but then again he would be ashamed of many things you have done so clearly his influence is no longer a driving force."
Supporters of Deen have even made their way to Walmart competitor Target's Facebook page, begging the retailer to not drop Deen. Target sells Paula Deen cookware both online and in store.
"Dear Target, Please don't drop Paula Deen!!! Please stand by her. Walmart was cowardly and dropped her and I nor my family will ever shop at Walmart again! TARGET be strong and stand by Paula!!!! Thank you," said Elizabeth Brossy. "Target don't miss this opportunity to stand by Paula Deen and welcome all of her fans that will never again shop at Walmart!!!"
Wednesday also saw another large business partner – Caesars' Palace – drop Deen's name from their restaurants, saying they "reached an agreement with Paula Deen Enterprises" to sever ties "in the best interest" of the casinos.
Other companies that have dropped Deen include the Food Network and Smithfield Foods.
The fallout stems from released transcripts of a May 17 deposition in a civil suit, where Deen testified that she had used racial slurs in the past.
Forbes ranked Deen the fourth highest-earning chef in 2012, earning more than $17 million a between 2011 and 2012.
