Paula Deen's Fiery Response to Anthony Bourdain: A Look Back Seven Years Later

The Juiciest Feud of the Year: Paula Deen Dishes Out Scathing Shade at Anthony Bourdain, 7 Years After His Shocking Demise

In a fiery new documentary, "Canceled: The Paula Deen Story," the beloved chef and TV personality has unleashed a scathing attack on her arch-nemesis, the late Anthony Bourdain. The verbal sparring match between these two culinary heavyweights is as juicy as it is surprising, given that Bourdain passed away in 2018 at just 61 years old.

It all began in 2011 when Bourdain, never one to mince words, labeled Deen "the worst, most dangerous person to America" and "the most destructive person on the Food Network." He savaged her Southern-style cooking, calling it "sugary, butter-soaked recipes that are killing us." The late chef's barbs were aimed squarely at Deen's signature dishes, which he claimed would be a recipe for disaster in an already obese nation.

In a 2012 interview with TV Guide, Bourdain unloaded on Deen, saying: "She revels in unholy connections with evil corporations and she's proud of the fact that her food is f*ing bad for you." He didn't stop there, adding: "If I were on at seven at night and loved by millions of people at every age, I would think twice before telling an already obese nation that it is okay to eat food that is killing us. Plus, her food sucks."

Deen's response? A defiant "I don't know what he was off in these foreign countries eating. Bat brains or something like that. I think I'll just stick with my fried chicken," according to Entertainment Weekly.

But what really sets Deen's teeth on edge is Bourdain's criticism of her endorsement deal with Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company that specializes in diabetes treatments. Deen, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2009, became the face of their campaign after signing on as brand ambassador in 2012.

Bourdain called it "in bad taste" for Deen to promote the company's products while peddling her signature dishes, which he claimed would exacerbate the nation's health problems. In a scathing tweet, Bourdain joked: "Thinking of getting into the leg-breaking business, so I can profitably sell crutches later."

Deen has long maintained that she was simply trying to be honest about her condition and promote healthy eating habits. However, many critics have accused her of hypocrisy for profiting from diabetes-related products while peddling fatty, high-sugar foods.

But this is not the first time Deen has faced controversy. In 2013, a racial discrimination lawsuit was filed against her by former employee Lisa Jackson, who claimed that she had been subjected to racist treatment and comments by Deen's staff. During a deposition in the case, Deen admitted using the N-word during a bank robbery incident in the 1980s, but denied using it more recently.

The fallout from the lawsuit was swift: the Food Network axed Deen's show, and she lost her lucrative endorsement deals with Novo Nordisk, Walmart, Target, and other major brands. Her restaurants, The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box, were forced to close their doors after 36 years and two years of operation, respectively.

However, it seems that Deen is not one to give up easily. She still maintains four Paula Deen's Family Kitchen locations across the country, in Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Branson. And with her latest documentary, "Canceled: The Paula Deen Story," she's clearly looking to set the record straight about her career, her controversies, and her ongoing feud with Bourdain.

As for Bourdain, his legacy lives on through his many fans and admirers, who will undoubtedly continue to celebrate his bold and unapologetic approach to food, culture, and criticism. And as for Deen? Well, she's still frying up a storm – but it seems that the heat is only just beginning to rise in this juicy, mouthwatering feud.