Substitute host John Oliver opened this Thursday's The Daily Show by mocking celebrity chef Paul Deen, after the recent revelations we already discussed here about her use of the N-word and wanting to have a "Plantation-style" wedding.
Oliver and Daily Show regular Jessica Williams wondered if it was a sign she's suffering from adult onset racism:
“Let’s accept a civil war plantation wedding does sound very romantic,” Oliver joked. “Everyone dressed in crisp white linen, and instead of rings the bride and groom exchange slaves, and after the reception the Union army comes through and burns everything to the ground. A day that no one would soon forget.”
Oliver turned to Daily Show correspondent Jessica Williams to learn more about whether Deen’s racism was inherited or developed. Williams noted that Deen recently appeared on a genealogy show, where she learned her ancestors owned 35 slaves. It was also possible, however, that Deen developed “adult onset racism” from an overexposure to Dixie nostalgia.
Oliver was surprised to see Williams handle Deen’s hurtful words in such a dispassionate manner.
“Oh please, Paula Deen’s words aren’t hurting black people anywhere near as much as her recipes are,” Williams remarked.
