If one asked people to give the first word that came to their mind when they thought of Paula Deen, we’re not sure if “dangerous” would had been high on list of adjectives. But that’s what Travel Channel’s celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain thinks of The Food Network’s Southern-belle chef, who he says is “dangerous to America.”

The No Reservations host, who is a staunch detractor of veganism (boo!) and never holds his opinions to himself, tells TV Guide that he feels Deen and her butter-laden Southern cuisine is “the worst, most dangerous person to America.”

Wow! That’s a strong accusation, usually reserved for politicians when they rationalize locking of drug-dealers. Most dangerous to America? Really?

According to E! News, Bourdain didn’t stop there:

“She revels in unholy connections with evil corporations, and she’s proud of the fact that her food if f–king bad for you,” he said. “I would think twice before telling an already obese nation that it is OK to eat food that is killing us. Plus, her food sucks.”

This is coming from the man who enjoys cigarettes, alcohol, and all kinds of exotic and borderline toxic foods, none of which is all that healthy. But this one-sided spat — there is no response as of yet from the Deen camp — seems like a very Northern/Southern Top Chef-esque battle.

It’s easy for Bourdain to criticize Deen during a obesity epidemic, considering most people are pointing the finger at American’s abuse of salt, sugar, and fat, but is it only the food that is hurting people — or is it the combination of several factors, such as lack of exercise, stress, and/or psychological factors.

Stay tuned to the next reality show coming to primetime: Top Chef – Cage Match Edition – Deen vs Bourdain … on location in Savannah, Georgia. Can’t Wait! *Bart Scott Voice*

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4 Comments

  1. that sounds like fighting words…her food is unhealthy but so is his lifestyle. Can’t blame Paula Deen for the entire obesity epidemic.

  2. It’s one-sided to point the finger at Paula Deen just as it is stupid to blame McDonald’s for making children obese. It’s my opinion that people have power of the food they CHOOSE to purchase, cook, and consume (exemption: those who live in food deserts, maybe). There’s temptation all around us, but that doesn’t mean our personal will has to fall prey. Paula Deen is just doing what she’s always done. I question more ther personal food choices of her fans and others.

  3. I believe that’s the thing that I like most about Bourdain. He gives it to you straight, no chaser. He has mentioned several times in his show that he need to stop smoking and that what he eats isn’t for the faint-of-heart. He was asked a question and he gave his opinion which is not a crime. Maybe it’s because I’m not a huge fan of southern food is the reason why I really do not like Paula Deen. It may also be because when I see her I think of an extremely annoying aunt, who is trying to push her own agenda on you. *Shrug* I’m in the advertising field and people really don’t know how much shows like hers has an effect on people. Yes, people choose to eat her food, but you can not say that she should not take any blame. She smiles in your face while pushing her buttery, fattening food while at the same time has diabetes due to it. What kind of message is that sending?

  4. Amen. The critics of Ms. Deen reek of jealousy and snobbery. I don’t fault anyone who embraces a “fat free” “sugar free” healthier lifestyle and I wouldn’t fix Paula Deen’s recipes all the time but even the most health conscious person can enjoy a pizza or loaded hamburger or baked potato now and then. No, I’m far from obese but I like butter and I like Paula Deen. She doesn’t force me to cook her way (but I do sometimes) and I find her very entertaining and likeable. Not so much Mr. Bourdain whom I find Bourrrring.

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