Racist accusations? Dropped by the Food Network and the world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart? Sued by former employees claiming discrimination? Sounds like Paula Deen needs a “gladiator in a suit.” No, not Olivia Pope, the real-life inspiration behind her character, Judy Smith.
Deen recently hired Smith, who is a crisis manager and former White House deputy press secretary under the George H.W. Bush administration, to “handle” the controversy sounding her public image.
In 2012, ABC launched the hit show “Scandal,” based on loosely based on Judy Smiths’s experience and created by producer Shonda Rhimes. Olivia Pope, who is Smith fictional adaption, is played by actress Kerry Washington.
Following three separate apologies for past use of racial epithets, including one during a tragic interview with Matt Lauer on the “Today” show, Deen has failed to convince the public to forgive her and it seems that she’s hopeful that Smith will do the trick, according to the Examiner.
Deen isn’t the first high profile client that Smith has represented under scrutiny though. Her former clients include Michael Vick, Wesley Snipes, Kobe Bryant, Monica Lewinsky and former mistress of CIA director Gen. David Petraeus, Jill Kelley.
Follow Courtney M. Fowler on Twitter: @Court_Nation
