n this Feb. 7, 2013 file photo, recording artist Adam Levine attends the launch of "Adam Levine Signature Fragrances" at Macy's Westfield Century City,...
This Oct. 29, 2013 photo released by NBC shows actress Kerry Washington, right, with cast member Taran Killam during a promotional shoot for "Saturday Night Live," in New York. Washington will host the late night comedy sketch series on Nov. 2. (AP Photo/NBC, Dana Edelson) by David BauderAP Television Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Kerry Washington's turn as host of "Saturday Night Live" this week gives that television institution something it hasn't seen much lately: a Black woman onstage trying to make people laugh. The show's diversity has become an issue, pushed to the forefront by comments from the two Black male cast members.
In this Jan. 17, 2012 file image originally released by NBC, co-host Al Roker speaks to celebrity chef and TV personality Paula Deen about her diabetes on the "Today", in New York. (AP Photo/NBC, Peter Kramer, file) by Russ Bynum SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — The Food Network said Friday it's dumping Paula Deen, barely an hour after the celebrity cook posted the first of two videotaped apologies online begging forgiveness from fans and critics troubled by her admission to having used racial slurs in the past. The 66-year-old Savannah kitchen celebrity has been swamped in controversy since court documents filed this week revealed Deen told an attorney questioning her under oath last month that she has used the N-word. "Yes, of course," Deen said, though she added, "It's been a very long time." The Food Network, which made Deen a star with "Paula's Home Cooking" in 2002 and later "Paula's Home Cooking" in 2008, weighed in with a terse statement Friday afternoon. "Food Network will not renew Paula Deen's contract when it expires at the end of this month," the statement said. Network representatives declined further comment. A representative for Deen did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment on the decision. The news came as Deen worked to repair the damage to her image, which has spawned a vast empire of cookbooks, a bimonthly cooking magazine, a full line of cookware, food items like spices and even furniture. She abruptly canceled a scheduled interview on NBC's "Today" show Friday morning, instead opting for a direct appeal via online video — one that allowed her and her staff complete control of what she said and how she said it.
