Deen’s Publicist Quits Over Drug Promo
Jan 22, 2012 Music Avenue
(The New York Post) – Paula Deen’s longtime powerhouse publicist, Nancy Assuncao, quit after six years over the butter-loving chef’s plan to plug a diabetes drug.
Assuncao faithfully stuck with Deen through years of hearty drama — including her battle with rival chef Anthony Bourdain, who called her “the most dangerous woman in America.” But she quit as Deen’s spokeswoman and chief marketer last month as Deen negotiated her deal to hawk the drug Victoza.
Deen is now under siege by diabetics, nutritionists and fellow chefs for keeping her own Type 2 diabetes secret for three years, even as she pushed recipes full of sugar and fat.
A source said Assuncao “strongly disagreed with Deen’s dramatic turnabout, after years of promoting fatty foods, to announcing she has a deal with a diabetes drug company [Novo Nordisk] and will be promoting lighter food and ‘diabetes in a new light.’”
“While Paula did tell some people at her live appearances about her diabetes, she certainly didn’t talk about it on her show.
Tags: Drug, Drug Promo