Paula Deen's Racist Deposition Transcript Released; Deen Responds

Yesterday the National Enquirer published a particularly controversial claim that they had obtained a transcript where Paula Deen admits to using the "N" word, made racist jokes, and wanted to have black waiters at a wedding to represent "slaves."

The transcript, from a hearing for the case where Deen and her brother Earl "Bubba" Hiers are accused of subjecting employees to "violent, sexist, and racist behaviors" when working for the Deen empire, has been released via Talking Points Memo. While National Enquirer did, naturally sensationalize the transcript, it's still pretty condemning.

Deen claims that she primarily used the N-word when discussing being robbed at gunpoint.

The transcript reads:
Q: Have you ever used the N-word yourself?
A: Yes, of course.

Q: OK. In what context?
A: Well, it was probably when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head.

Q: OK. And what did you say?
A: Well, I don't remember, but the gun was dancing all around my temple.

Q: OK.
A: I didn't — I didn't feel real favorable towards him.

Q: OK. Well, did you use the N-word to him as he pointed a gun in your head at your face?
A: Absolutely not.

Q: Well, then, when did you use it?
A: Probably in telling my husband.

Q: OK. Have you used it since then?
A: I'm sure I have, but it's been a very long time.

Meanwhile, the section of Deen explaining wanting to have all African-American servers at a wedding was clarified where Deen staunchly says, "I did not mean anything derogatory by saying that I loved their look and their professionalism," despite admitting that she was hoping to recreate the era of the Civil War, during the Civil War, and before the Civil War when black men and women waiting on white people were considered slaves.

Deen's attorney Bill Franklin told CNN while Deen would not discuss pending court cases, "Contrary to media reports, Ms. Deen does not condone or find the use of racial epithets acceptable," Franklin said. "She is looking forward to her day in court."

Read the whole transcript over on Talking Points Memo; The most controversial subjects begin at page 21.