Be A Known Racist, Get $100 Million

Paula Deen, who is now known just as well for being racist as she is for using way too much butter, is making a comeback. And by making a comeback I mean someone has agreed to give her a shit ton of money to attempt to stage a comeback. Paula Deen has received an investment from Najafi Companies in the amount of $75 million to $100 million dollars. Najafi's CEO Jahm Najafi said in a statement, "Our investment allows the Paula Deen brand to expand their relationships and the partnerships that are already in place, and support those partnerships on a go-forward basis" which is a roundabout way of saying, "We think this ol' buttered up biscuit still has some money makin' left in her." Najafi also said that he has "a deep respect for the hard work, unique content, and quality products which Paula has built around her brand." This of course means, "Yeah, it doesn't really matter that she called that guy the n-word. People still wanna buy pots and pans, right?"

If that really is the thought process going on here, and it must be because you don't just invest $100 million dollars without knowing what you're getting in to, then Najafi Cos. might be pretty smart. Say you really like a certain product and then you find out Paula Deen is partnered with them. Sure, you might not want to buy it for a while, but if it's the only product that comes close to what you need, then you might end up buying it anyway. Plus, it works out for the company because there are weirdos out there who want to products because they support Paula Deen. This is what I call The Chick-fil-a Theory. Do I agree with Chick-fil-a's politics? Hell no. But have I ever had a chicken sandwich anywhere near as good as the ones they sell? Nope, can't say I have. If you add all the weak-willed people to the people who gladly enjoy their chicken nuggets with a side of anti-gay sentiment, then you've got yourself a strong company.

Speaking of those strange folks who still openly embrace Paula Deen, Najafi mentioned that they are exactly the reason her brand isn't going down just yet. "The important thing to remember is that her fan base is rabid. Her Facebook fan base has more than doubled in the past year. The Paula Deen brand is alive and well."

Deen released a statement about the investment herself,

I couldn't imagine a better partner than Jahm Najafi, with his track record of success. Jahm's vision, attention to detail and entrepreneurial spirit will help us grow to new heights. Jahm and Steve [Nanula, the new CEO of her company] are both so well respected as leaders. I know this is the right decision to lead my team, as we continue to share quality products with my fans -- whose love and support have built my brands.

So there you have it. Expect to accidentally purchase a Deen endorsed brand in the near future.

Images: Getty Images