Paula Deen Reflects on Gifting Vegan Ellen DeGeneres a Ham on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’
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In a recent documentary titled ‘Canceled: The Paula Deen Story’, Paula Deen delves into some of the infamous moments that led to the downfall of her multi-million dollar empire. One such incident she reflected on was during a 2007 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Deen recounted the awkward moment when she gifted Ellen DeGeneres, a well-known vegan, a ham without realizing her dietary preferences.
The documentary, which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, features a clip of DeGeneres introducing Deen as the “queen of Southern cooking,” and Deen walking out carrying a ham. Deen jovially presented the ham to DeGeneres, who politely accepted it despite being a vegan. Deen later admitted in a confessional for the documentary that she felt embarrassed upon learning DeGeneres’ dietary restrictions, describing herself as feeling ‘like a turd’.
A representative for DeGeneres clarified that the former talk show host is a vegan, not a vegetarian as mentioned in the documentary, highlighting the mix-up that occurred during the on-air exchange between the two personalities. Despite the lighthearted nature of the incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of others’ dietary preferences and choices.
The documentary not only touches on this comical mishap but also delves into Deen’s journey from her humble beginnings in the catering business to her rise to fame on the Food Network. However, Deen’s career took a drastic turn in 2013 when she was embroiled in a controversy after admitting to using a racial slur in a sworn deposition as part of a lawsuit filed against her by a former manager.
The lawsuit, filed by Lisa Jackson, alleged racial discrimination and sexual harassment at one of Deen’s restaurants. The subsequent fallout from the controversy led to the end of Deen’s partnership with the Food Network and the loss of numerous business deals, marking a significant downturn in her career trajectory.
Despite the challenges she faced, Deen’s documentary aims to shed light on her side of the story and provide a deeper understanding of the events that transpired. Speaking at the premiere with her sons Jamie and Bobby, who also feature in the documentary, Deen expressed her desire for the truth to be revealed through the film.
Through ‘Cancelled: The Paula Deen Story’, viewers are given a glimpse into the highs and lows of Deen’s career, as well as the personal struggles she endured amidst public scrutiny and controversy. The documentary serves as a platform for Deen to address misconceptions and share her perspective on the challenges she has faced throughout her career.
As the documentary unfolds, audiences are invited to witness a more introspective and vulnerable side of Deen, offering insights into the complexities of fame, public perception, and redemption. Ultimately, ‘Cancelled: The Paula Deen Story’ provides a nuanced portrayal of a figure who has experienced both acclaim and condemnation in the public eye.