Comic Book Publisher Wants Everyone To Know They ‘Still Think Paula Deen Is A Role Model’

Yesterday we brought the tragic news that Paula Deen would be immortalized in a comic book having nothing to do with the super powers of butter, but as a heroine of female empowerment. Citing a Reuters wire, we wrote that publisher Bluewater Productions planned to “portray Paula in a positive light, focusing on the growth of her empire, rather than its tragic, racist downfall.” We even included a quote from Bluewater President Darren G. Davis saying “We’re not going to flambé her.” (Which was cute.)

But Davis is on a PR crusade this morning to make extra sure that we, and our readers, know that he’s not going to do any cooking-technique-metaphor to Paula, except glaze her with gooey love and affection. He, or another Bluewater representative, left the following comment on our post:

“This story is reported false. I complained to Rueters about it because it is NOT about the fall of Paula Deen at all. I am the publisher – it is a female empowerment story. Here is the press release. Once again – we do not at all slam her in the book. The point of the story is that we still think she is a role mode and we are still doing the book.”

The press release, which was posted in its entirety, is titled “BLUEWATER STILL MOVES FORWARD WITH FEMALE FORCE PAULA DEEN COMIC BOOK,” which seems to at least subtly acknowledge that there might be a reason not to move forward with a female empowerment story centered around an un-self aware, unapologetic racist. It says:

“Despite the recent media hailstorm and public criticism aimed at celebrity chef Paula Deen for inflammatory racial remarks, Bluewater Productions announced that it will not change plans to publish its “Female Force” biography comic book title featuring the embattled TV personality due out this fall.”

In one segment, which is sure to become voiceover text (starting with “In a world where…”) in the Michael Bay-directed feature film of Female Force: Paula Deen, Davis adds:

“Under the greatest scrutiny, many of our heroes let us down, but we also believe in the power of redemption. In all biographies there are chapters full of great accomplishments and those full of challenges. I believe Ms. Deen’s story is not yet completely written.”

Here’s the real kicker. Bluewater seems to be somewhat uncomfortable with allegations (again, via the Reuters release), that their book will “include Deen’s fall from grace.” But check this out, straight from the publisher’s press release posted as a comment on how that bit of our story was false:

“Davis notes that the latest controversy will be added to the final draft, but the majority of the comic book will focus on how she became an iconic brand, the challenges of her humble beginnings and the results of bursting certain stereotypes.”

And then…

“Bluewater has also used their ‘Female Force’ series as an outlet to broaden awareness on important challenges that face many people. In “Female Force: Carrie Fisher,” the former Star Wars actress bravely shares her lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder.”

So the takeaway: stop accusing Bluewater of including any mention of Paula Deen’s downfall in a comic book they plan to release months after its public dénouement. They are simply featuring her as a powerful figure in a series about famous women who have overcome adversity in the public eye. Superhero Paula Deen’s character-building personal crisis chapter will probably be about that time she announced her diabetes diagnosis in a commercial for diabetes drugs and everyone laughed real hard.

In other news, we kind of can’t wait to get our hands on an artist’s rendering of the doughnut burger.

You can see the whole confusing press release/comment at the bottom of this post.

RELATED:
Paula Deen To Be Turned Into A Comic Book Heroine Of ‘Female Empowerment’
9 Other Colossally Stupid Paula Deenisms
Paula Deen FIRES Her Agent

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