Paula Deen’s PR rep quits over chef’s ‘business strategy’

After six years as publicist and marketing director to the celebrity chef, Nancy Assuncao has called it quits reportedly over Deen’s decision to endorse a diabetes drug.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

The New York Posts says the split is due to Deen’s plans to endorse a diabetes drug.

Last week, Deen made headlines after she announced that she has Type 2 diabetes. Deen had kept that a secret for three years, drawing stiff criticism because her recipes are known to be packed with sugar and fat—the kind of stuff diabetics should generally avoid.

Deen now plans to endorse the diabetes drug Novo Nordisk and promote different foods. That decision is reportedly what caused Assuncao to call it quits.

“Although we had a great deal of fun along the way, I could not agree with the new business strategy going forward,” she told the Post. “Nonetheless, I wish them continued success.”

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.