Paula Deen Suit Thrown Out

The damage has been done

SAVANNAH, Ga. (CN)—A federal judge Monday ended the lawsuit that has shattered Paula Deen's public image and cost the celebrity chef millions of dollars in business deals.

In a lawsuit filed last year, former employee Lisa Jackson accused Deen's brother, Bubba Hiers, of sexual harassment and racial discrimination against employees. Hiers, who co-owns Uncle Bubba's Seafood & Oyster House with Deen, was Jackson's direct supervisor for five years, according to court filings.

The lawsuit also alleged that Deen tolerated racial discrimination in her enterprises, and occasionally made racially charged remarks.