Paula Deen’s diabetes PR disaster, ya’ll
Editor’s note: This post is a guest post from THP’s “Employee Number One” Stacey Brucia, who mans New York PR and social media outpost.
I’ve been watching CNN today and now have NY local news on in the background. And a top story of the day is Anthony Bourdain’s tweet that’s a hit against Paula Deen. It’s follow-up story to Deen’s announcement yesterday that she is a spokesperson for a diabetes drug company. I’d name then, but then I’m giving them more PR.
And that’s what I’m arguing against/feeling some disgust about. As someone in PR, of course I have to credit the drug company for the publicity that they’re getting for securing Deen as spokeswoman…TODAY, countless mentions on CNN, pretty much every major outlet around. It’s more than a PR grandslam as far as getting the drug’s name out. For that, I can be in a little bit of awe.
Courtesy: The Today Show
But from an ethical standpoint, both the company and Paula have gone too far. It’s hypocritical: A woman who loves to cook with butter, sugar and pretty much every bad-for-you agreement is now giving implied medical advice (and earning money) by endorsing a drug for a disease that can be prevented with healthier eating habits. No, I’m not a doctor, but I think that’s generally understood.
I’m not sure if there’s a competitor product to the drug that Deen has endorsed but, if so, I hope that those who need that type of medication support another company.
For my part, I’m glad there are not any Paula Deen cookbooks on my shelf. Sometimes, I would watch her Food Network shows as pure entertainment…look at all that butter!! No more.
BTW, Paula, saying that you’ve given up sweet tea as a talking point doesn’t make the fact that you’re a diabetes spokesman any better.
Your point is well taken but you should know that not all diabetes can be prevented or controlled with diet, including Type 2 diabetes, as you claim. Family history and genetics play a factor, and thin people who eat sensible diets do get Type 2 diabetes.