Paula Deen Opens Up About Matt Lauer Scandal: A Tale Of Sympathies And Scandals on ONDA LA

Revisiting the Spotlight: Paula Deen on Her 2013 Interview with Matt Lauer

As the sun sets on the glitzy streets of Los Angeles, a fresh documentary sheds light on Paula Deen's controversial past, revisiting her 2013 interview with former Today show host Matt Lauer. The film, 'Canceled: The Paula Deen Story,' which premiered at the bustling Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, dives deep into the media frenzy that followed Deen's admission of using a racial slur. This disclosure, given during a deposition in a lawsuit by a former manager at her restaurant, led to a storm that saw her empire crumble.

Family Perspectives and Media Reactions

Reflecting on those intense moments, Paula's son Bobby Deen recalls, “She was scared as could be. She was terrified, and sad and hurt and upset. It was all kinds of things.” The documentary captures these emotions vividly, showing how the interview's pressure, especially from Lauer's intense questioning, overwhelmed Deen. Jamie Deen, Paula's other son, notes Lauer's attitude, remarking, “He was a little tough, he was a little on his high horse. It’s really hard for me even to watch, just because of the level of uncomfortability that my mother had.”

The Twist of Fate: Lauer's Scandal Unfolds

Fast forward to 2017, the tables turned when Matt Lauer faced his own storm of controversy. NBC News terminated Lauer's two-decade reign on Today following a sexual misconduct review. Paula Deen reflects on her reaction to Lauer's troubles during the documentary, revealing, "I wanted to send him a note when his troubles started. I was just very sympathetic to anybody that went through that kind of pain.” The documentary emphasizes her mixed feelings, as she adds, “But some people deserve it.”

Director's Insight: Not All Cancellations Are Equal

Director Billy Corben, known for his gripping storytelling, shares his insights about the film. He points out the striking moments during the filming, noting that Paula’s candid comment on Lauer resonated deeply with everyone present. "Well, that's going to be in the final cut," Corben recalls thinking. The documentary provides Deen a platform to present her side of the story, especially the incident in 1987 when she was held at gunpoint, a moment she cites for using the racial slur. "I'm looking for the truth," she mentioned at the Toronto International Film Festival, hinting that viewers would uncover it in her film.