Deen's Response Requires "Cultural Humility"

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Paula Deen cooking empire appears to be crumbling.

The Food Network has said they are firing the celebrity chef after she admitted to using racial slurs back in the late 80's.

She's currently being sued by a former employee for discrimination.

Director of Programs with Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion Steve Spreitzer says Deen needs to understand that just saying sorry doesn't make it alright.

"This is a complex world she's stepped into; relative to what does the 'N' word really mean? So, I think it's a great opportunity for her to really examine just what does her privilege mean and the extent of what does that mean - because it's never okay to use that word," said Spreitzer.

Spreitzer said Deen's response really requires cultural humility.

"We'll see how sincere she is - this is a teaching moment for her to really understand the gravity of her remarks and just what that has meant over the years for people of color," he said.

This isn't the first time Deen has courted controversy. She's taken some heat for not disclosing she's a diabetic while showing off some very rich recipes on her show.

RELATED: Deen Says She Used Racial Slur But Doesn't Tolerate Hate