Paula Deen 'Pleased' Judge Tossed Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Because Accuser was White
A federal judge in Georgia tossed a lawsuit against embattled celebrity chef Paula Deen that cited race discrimination that was filed by a former Savannah restaurant manager in what was one of many damaging revelations to hit the self-described culinary queen in the last year.
U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. ruled Monday that Lisa Jackson has no standing to sue for race discrimination, given that Jackson is white.
Jackson sued Deen and her brother, Bubba Hiers, last year saying she was subjected to sexual harassment and racist attitudes during the five years she worked at their restaurant, Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House.
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According to the lawsuit during the five years Jackson worked there, Hiers made continual inappropriate sexual comments to her and other staff members. Hiers also allegedly downloaded pornography on a work computer that was shared with Jackson.
Jackson claimed in the suit that her doctor recommended that she quit her job as general manager at Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House because she was experiencing panic attacks and other stress.
The suit also included incidents that Hiers physically intimidated employees and acted toward Jackson in a sexually degrading manner, by forcibly kissing her cheek and spitting on her.
The court's ruling only affected the racial discrimination claims and leaves the Jackson's sexual harassment claims intact.
"We are pleased with the court's ruling today that Lisa Jackson's claims of race discrimination have been dismissed," a rep for Deen's rep revealed 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."
