Lisa Jackson has filed suit against Deen and her brother Bubba Hiers over allegations that she faced both sexual and racial discrimination while working at their Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House in Georgia.
Deen famously admitted in a deposition for the case that she had used the N-word in the past.
NBC reports that federal judge William T Moore Jr has now thrown out the accusations of racial discrimination.
Judge Moore explained in his ruling that there was not a basis for Jackson - who is white - to claim that she suffered racial discrimination.
He wrote in his legal opinion: "While Plaintiff may have faced significant challenges in managing a workplace allegedly permeated with racial discrimination, her difficulties do not fall within the zone of interests sought to be protected by Title VII [of the Civil Rights Act of 1964] and cannot support a claim for racial discrimination under that stature."
Jackson's allegations of sexual harassment are still pending, and that aspect of her case will remain ongoing.
A spokesperson for Deen has responded by saying that the celebrity chef is "pleased" by Judge Moore's decision.
© PA Images / Jeff Christensen/AP
Deen's spokesperson said in a statement: "As Ms Deen has stated before, she is confident that those who truly know how she lives her life know that she believes in equal opportunity, kindness and fairness for everyone."
The fallout from Deen's initial admission to using a racially insensitive term has led her to be dropped by Walmart, QVC and the Food Network.
Deen strenuously denied that she is a racist during an interview with NBC's Today in late June.
> Paula Deen turns down 'Dancing with the Stars'?
> Paula Deen extortion case: Suspect reaches plea deal
> Cheryl Burke backs Paula Deen for 'Dancing with the Stars'
via All - Digital Spy - Entertainment and Media News
0 comments:
Post a Comment