Paula Deen

Paula Deen admits to using racially charged words in the past.  A current lawsuit alleges she continues to speak to African American employees with the same insensitivity and lack of respect.

I've often thought, in our society filled with marketers and public relations handlers, it would be impossible to find out who people really are.
Maybe not.

I don't know the details of this specific case, but it does seem peculiar to me that people who court celebrity and know they live in a fishbowl are audacious enough to call attention to their own faults.

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Update 6/27/2013 - The story keeps on.  The Food Network, Walmart, and other corporations are ending their associations with Paula Deen.
There is some public discussion about whether the reaction is overblown; if forgiveness is more appropriate.

Here's my take:  You don't use that word - ever.  If, for some reason, it comes out of your mouth, you move yourself out of public life.  You can be forgiven, but get yourself OUT OF PUBLIC LIFE.  You are no longer a role model and you should not continue to make money because people want to be like you.
As far as I'm concerned if you continue trying to be an influence in the public sphere then you have no integrity and that's another reason I want you OUT OF PUBLIC LIFE!!!!  There are plenty of other things you can do in life.
Not only that, but there are plenty of other people who do what you do and have never used that language.