A judge ruled the lawsuit filed against Paula Deen for racial discrimination has been dismissed. Ironically, the suit first brought to light Deen's admittance to using racial slurs in the past which effectively destroyed her career.

Paula Deen
Paula Deen arriving outside the Today show studios in New York.

Deen admitted to using the 'n' word in the past, an admission which prompted a media circus, placing the former TV chef under scrutiny. She lost numerous sponsorship deals including her slot on the Food Network.

The lawsuit was filed by Lisa Jackson, once a manager of Deen and her brother Bubba's restaurant 'Uncle Bubba's Seafood and Oyster House. Jackson claimed she was sexually harassed and verbally abused whilst working at the family restaurant. Jackson claimed Deen and her brother verbally abused an employee and general had an unacceptable attitude towards black, Jewish and female employees.

However, Judge William T. Moore has dismissed the case on the grounds that Jackson's claims are unfounded. This is simply because she is white and therefore could not have been racially discriminated against. Jackson attempted to make the argument that a member of her family is bi-racial, but it was unsuccessful.

Paula Deen
Paula Deen at the 2010 Miss USA pageant at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas.

Moore agreed with Deen's lawyers, who argued that Jackson had no grounds to sue Deen or her brother for the poor treatment of black workers or racial slurs. This is because, despite the stress associated with being in this environment, Jackson was not direct affected. 

In his statement, Moore argued that Jackson "is an accidental victim of the alleged racial discrimination" and the "racially offensive comments were either directed toward plaintiff or made with the intent to harass her." She is, however, most definitely female: so the court case relating to the sexual harassment charges continues.

Deen's representative, speaking shortly after the ruled on Monday (12th August), said Deen "is confident that those who truly know how she lives her life know that she believes in equal opportunity, kindness and fairness for everyone."

The trial continues. It will be interesting to see how the judge rules with regards to the sexual harassment charges.

Paula Deen
Paula Deen at the Creative Arts and Entertainment Awards in L.A.