Fans Show Their Support For Paul Deen… With Butter Wrappers?

July 20, 2013 by Natalie Nicole

Paula Deen’s former business partners were caught in a slippery situation when they opened mail from her unhappy fans.

After Deen admitted to repeated use of a racial slur, she found herself in trouble with both TV networks and her distributors. The unfortunate domino effect began with Food Network refusing to renew her contract. She was soon fired as the spokeswoman for Smithfield Foods, then dropped by Walmart, Target, QVC, and more. Although many agree with the harsh consequences of Deen’s actions, loyal fans ask that she is forgiven for what they feel is a “mistake” and stand by her.

In fact, some are demanding that companies reinstate their contracts with Deen. They have been showing their appreciation for this cooking guru by mailing butter wrappers to companies such as the Food Network, QVC, Walmart, KMart, and Sears. Fans write messages on the wrappers supporting Paula and protesting her treatment.

The movement, called “Butter for Paula”, began with a website created by hotel auditor John Schmitt. According to TMZ, Schmitt “originally considered mailing actual sticks of butter but then realized the butter would melt and that doing so would be a waste of Deen’s favorite ingredient.” TMZ also stated, “According to the website created for the movement: ‘A company without Paula is like a wrapper without butter. These corporations have cut ties with Paula, and no longer broadcast her television shows, or carry her products. We have the power to demand that her status be reinstated, and it’s easier than you think.’ ”

Though some would call this movement a messy waste of time, others call it a fight for a good cause.