Words are, there had been interest in casting the former Food Network cook for the 17th season of the ABC reality show, but she turned down the offer.
- Aug 8, 2013
AceShowbiz - Paula Deen might have lost her chance to shine on "Dancing with the Stars" ballroom, not because she was dropped by the show but this time because she passed on it. According to Us Weekly and TODAY.com, ABC has extended an offer to the beleaguered chef to star on the dancing competition, but she has turned it down.
Talks about casting Deen for the upcoming 17th season of "DWTS" had reportedly begun even before she landed in hot water due to her admission to using racial slurs in a June court deposition. Her reps haven't responded to the report, but a source explains, "The dance floor is not the appropriate forum for her."
Pro dancer Cheryl Burke, who has been on the show since the second season, once expressed her interest in having Deen as one of the celebrity contestants. "Right now, lots of controversial things are happening around her and her situation, and I think coming on something light and fun would be good for her," she said back in June.
"DWTS" host Tom Bergeron echoes Burke's statement, explaining to Us Weekly why the show would be good for her, "We've seen career resurgences after the show. People go, 'I remember why I love that person!' "
After her use of racial slurs in the past was exposed to public, Deen was dropped by Food Network where she hosted "Paula's Best Dishes". The cook has also lost many endorsements, such as with Smithfield Foods, Walmart, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Target and Home Depot, as well as her book deal with Ballantine.
