Deen’s food empire continues to crumble
Paula Deen lost another part of her empire on Monday: Smithfield Foods said it was dropping her as a spokeswoman.
The announcement came days after the Food Network said it would not renew the celebrity cook’s contract in the wake of revelations that she used racial slurs in the past.
Smithfield sold Paula Deen-branded hams in addition to using her as a spokeswoman. In a statement, the company said it “condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind. Therefore, we are terminating our partnership with Paula Deen.”
QVC also said it was reviewing its deal with Paula Deen Enterprises to sell the star’s cookbooks and cookware.
The rapid downfall came after revelations that the 66-year-old Food Network star admitted using racial slurs in the past in a deposition in a discrimination lawsuit. Deen was asked under oath if she had ever used the N-word. “Yes, of course,” Deen said, though she added, “It’s been a very long time.”
Funeral scheduled for Gandolfini
The funeral for James Gandolfini will be held Thursday at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in New York City. An HBO spokeswoman speaking on behalf of Gandolfini’s family said the funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m.
The 51-year-old star of “The Sopranos” died Wednesday in Rome. Family spokesman Michael Kobold said Gandolfini died of a heart attack.
Lucas weds longtime girlfriend
It’s marriage, episode II for George Lucas.
A Lucasfilm spokeswoman confirmed the “Star Wars” creator married longtime girlfriend Mellody Hobson in a weekend ceremony at Skywalker Ranch north of San Francisco.
It’s the second wedding for the 69-year-old Lucas, who was married to film editor Marcia Lucas from 1969 to 1983.
It’s the first marriage for Hobson, 44, an investment firm president and contributor to ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley walked her down the aisle.
The Saturday afternoon ceremony was performed by journalist Bill Moyers, who was once a Baptist minister.
Guests included filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard, who said on Twitter that the wedding was “a joy to behold” and Moyers’ service “nothing short of profound.”
The birthday bunch
Actress June Lockhart is 88. Singer Carly Simon is 68. Actor-comedian Jimmie Walker is 66. Actor-writer-director Ricky Gervais is 52. Pop singer George Michael is 50. Actress Angela Kinsey (“The Office”) is 42. Rock musician Mike Kroeger (Nickelback) is 41. Actress Linda Cardellini is 38. Actress Busy Philipps is 34.