Updated: The Food Network has made the decision not to renew Deen's contract at the end of June. Additionally, Deen has released a new video, almost three times as long as the first, where she is much more composed, albeit not much more direct, stating instead that “my family and I are not the kind of people that the press is wanting to say we are.”

Originally published 6/21, 1:23 p.m.: Paula Deen proved herself as slippery as her favored ingredient this morning when she failed to show up for her appearance on The Today Show, citing “exhaustion” like so many rehab-destined starlets before her. Instead, she chose to release a public video statement on YouTube.

But just when you think she's zigged, Deen zags, removing the video from YouTube. A copy of the video is embedded below.

America's favorite archenemy of nutrition found herself in boiling hot water Wednesday morning after reports surfaced of her nonchalant confession that she has used the N-word in the past and thought dressing up black waiters as slaves would be a festive touch for her brother Bubba Hiers' wedding. In the video statement, which has already been removed and reposted twice today, Deen asks forgiveness for — well, it's not quite clear what she's asking forgiveness for.

Deen apologizes for “the mistakes that I've made” and “the wrong that I've done,” avoiding addressing the charges from Wednesday's reports directly. About 17 seconds in, there's a sudden cut to Deen saying that “inappropriate language is totally unacceptable.” Not once in the video does Deen refer to former employee Lisa Jackson's lawsuit, the original National Enquirer report that they have the video of Deen's deposition or actually admit to having used said inappropriate language.

Deen teased the video on her Twitter account before its release, even including a photo of her:

The video was first posted hours after Deen pulled a no-show on Today. The morning show's co-hosts Matt Lauer and Al Roker called out the absence on air, with Lauer even emphasizing the excuse that she was “exhausted” with some skepticism. Clearly, Lauer has no idea how exhausting it is to casually admit to using racist language, plan Civil War-inspired weddings for brother Bubba, plan a museum dedicated to one's own life and keep churning out delicious, health-hazardous recipes — it's enough to make anyone miss inconveniently-timed talk show appearances.

Besides the video, Deen herself has made no further statement about Wednesday's reports. Brother Bubba, owner of Uncle Bubba's Oyster and Seafood House and supporting star of this saga also being sued for racial discrimination and sexual harassment, has remained silent.

See also:

– Paula Deen's Guilt-Free Admission of Using N-Word, Hiring 'Slave' Waiters

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