2013 was a big year for food news, and perhaps no story was more furiously followed than that of celebrity chef Paula Deen. In the wake of revelations that Deen had used racially-charged language toward her staff, sponsors broke ties with the Southern author, TV host and restaurateur -- and she fell apart on live TV. Fervent fans have vowed to stay with her through thick and thin.
{"Image ImageDescription": "FILE - June 21, 2013: Celebrity chef Paula Deen has been fired by Food Network after racial slur controversy.  Food Network announced they will not renew Paula Deen's contract when it expires. NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 09: TV personality/chef Paula Deen attends the 2010 CMT Music Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on June 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)", "Image Artist": "Jason Merritt", "Image Copyright": "2010 Getty Images", "Image ExifOffset": "488", "EXIF DateTimeOriginal": "2010:06:09 16:38:26", "EXIF DateTimeDigitized": "2010:06:09 16:38:26", "EXIF SubSecTimeOriginal": "14", "EXIF SubSecTimeDigitized": "14"}