Paula Deen Dropped By WALMART and Others

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced that it has ended its relationship with the Southern celebrity chef, part of the continuing fallout in the wake of revelations that she used racial slurs in the past.

The world's largest retailer, based in Bentonville, Ark., currently carries a variety of products under her moniker, including food items, cookware and health and wellness products, at all of its 4,000 U.S. stores. The retailer began selling her merchandise several years ago."We will not place new orders beyond those already committed," said Dave Tovar, a Wal-Mart spokesman. "We will work with suppliers to address existing inventories and agreements."

Tovar said the retailer is still working through the details with suppliers. The severed ties with Wal-Mart are the latest blow to Deen's business.

Meanwhile, Paula Deen's name is being stripped from four buffet restaurants owned by Caesars. Caesars said Wednesday that its decision to re-brand its restaurants in Joliet, Ill.; Tunica, Miss.; Cherokee, N.C.; and Elizabether, Ind., was a mutual one with Deen. Last week, the Food Network said that it would not renew the celebrity cook's contract.

And on Monday, Smithfield Foods said it was dropping her as a spokeswoman. Smithfield sold Paula Deen-branded hams in addition to featuring her as a spokeswoman.

TMZ has also reported, Paula and diabetes drug maker Novo Nordisk have parted ways. Deen, who has Type 2 diabetes was a spokesperson for the company's campaign, "Diabetes in a New Light."  Paula was singing the virtue of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Victoza, which she takes.

A Novo Nordisk spokesperson tells TMZ ... they have mutually agreed with Paula to part ways for now, "while she takes time to focus her attention where it is needed."

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