Anne Rice Defends Paula Deen, Blames "Lynch Mob Culture" on "Crucifixion"

Deen dropped by Food Network, ham manufacturer over racially-charged comments that came to light during a lawsuit

Anne Rice has been branded a 'racism apologist' after she came out in support of race row chef Paula Deen.

In a controversial outburst, the best selling author said that Deen was the victim of a 'lynch mob' - and that she was actually the one who was a victim of racism.

Rice claimed that Deen, the queen of Southern cooking, was being 'persecuted' because she is a white Southerner who is speaking the truth about life in America.