Wal-Mart ends relationship with Paula Deen

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is announcing that it has ended its relationship with Paula Deen a week after the Southern celebrity chef admitted using racial slurs in the past.

The world's largest retailer said it will not place "any new orders beyond what's already committed."

The discounter says it will work with suppliers on existing inventories.

The Bentonville, Ark., company started carrying Paula Deen-branded products at all of its U.S. namesake stores since 2011.

The latest development follows the announcement on Friday from Food Network that it was dropping her food shows. Smithfield Foods announced on Monday it was dropping her as a spokeswoman as well.