Paula Deen Fired: How 4 Other Celebrities Fared Post-Racism Scandal

Until recently, Deen was relatively scandal-free, save for a diabetes debacle that simply proved to the public that advocating butter in every dish is probably not the healthiest way to live. Yet earlier this week, during a deposition for a discrimination lawsuit by a former employee for alleged racism in the workplace, Deen admitted to using the N-word. In the media frenzy that followed, Deen scheduled, and then didn't show up for, an interview, released two emotional apology videos, and was fired from the Food Network. Looks like Deen now has some time on her hands to figure out her next move.

Mel Gibson has never shied away from controversy. The scandal-prone actor has been accused of sexism, Anti-Semitism, racism, and several other isms. In 2010, a tape leaked of Gibson calling his ex, Oksana Grigorieva, a whore, a c**t, and a whole lot of other disgusting words. "If you get raped by a pack of n***ers, it will be your fault," he said. To make matters worse (as if that was possible), you could hear his baby screaming in the background as he screamed at Grigorieva. In the years since, Gibson's stayed relatively scandal-free, but his career has never been the same. He's acted in and directed a handful of small films, and has been dropped from many more after objections from cast members. Now, Gibson's more likely to be seen as Jodie Foster's sidekick at an awards show than at a theater near you.

As the head designer for Christian Dior, Galliano was squarely in the center of the fashion elite. Yet, in 2011, he was dropped from the label for alleged Anti-Semitic remarks. Video proof was soon released — "I love Hitler" was among the awful soundbites — and the media went berserk. Jewish actress Natalie Portman, who had a contract with with Dior, publicly condemned Galliano, saying she was "shocked and disgusted." The designer has stayed under the radar since the incident, returning only earlier this year during Fashion Week to assist Oscar de la Renta's show. He's keen on making a comeback, and has received well wishes from the Anti-Defamation League.

Until 2006, Richards was enjoying a nice post-Seinfeld life as a successful stand-up comic. And then he blew it, calling black audience members at one show the N-word and referencing lynching. He publicly apologized, but retired from stand-up a year later. Since then, he's appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm for three episodes, but done very little else.

"The guy from The Tudors is racist?" you're probably thinking, and that's because Rhys Meyers has done a remarkably good job recovering from scandal. In 2010, the actor, who's battled alcohol addiction for years, was banned from United Airlines for life after drunkenly hurling racial slurs. He paid a fine, and Rhys Meyers' career suffered no damage. He finished The Tudors, starred in Albert Nobbs, and will star in the upcoming NBC show Dracula.