Paula Deen, eyeing comeback, gets funding from deep-pocketed investor

1/7

Paula Deen’s two sons, Jamie, left, and Bobby, defended their mother against accusations of racism, saying they were raised in a loving home where bigotry did not exist. (Carlo Allegri / Associated Press)

2/7

Paula Deen is pictured at a book signing during her more popular days. (Henrietta Wildsmith / Associated Press)

3/7

Glenn Beck is among those who came to the defense of embattled celebrity chef Paula Deen, describing her past use of the N-word as a “violation of political correctness, nothing more” and suggesting that she was the victim of “McCarthyism.”

(Evan Agostini / Associated Press)

4/7

When Paula Deen admitted she had diabetes last year, many took note because Deen was the queen of high-fat, high-calorie Southern cooking. (Carlo Allegri / Associated Press)

5/7

Al Sharpton has offered a defense of Paula Deen, albeit a somewhat qualified one. “A lot of us have in the past said things we have regretted saying years ago,” he told TMZ. Later, his spokesman called the Huffington Post to clarify that Sharpton was not so much defending Deen as withholding judgment. (Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP)

6/7

The lawsuit that led to the downfall of her career is dropped and her accuser starts singing her praises. (Carlo Allegri / Associated Press )

7/7

Paula Deen partners with Najafi Cos in an attempt to jump start her career. (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)

By Jenn Harris

Feb. 12, 2014 2:37 PM PT

Paula Deen is ready to jump-start her stalled career. Paula Deen Ventures, the company behind the former Food Network star’s enterprise of cookware, restaurants and media, is gaining steam after receiving a multimillion-dollar investment.

Najafi Media, an affiliate of Najafi Cos., a private investment firm with stakes in the Phoenix Suns basketball team and other companies, announced a new partnership with Deen along with an investment of $75 million to $100 million in her company.

“All of us at Najafi Cos. have a deep respect for the hard work, unique content and quality products which Paula has built around her brand,” Jahm Najafi, founder and CEO of Najafi Cos., said in a statement. “We know that the enterprise will be successful and valuable, as Paula and her team continue to bring quality products and experiences to her loyal fan base; and now we have a proven management team in place to build and lead the organization.”

PHOTOS: Paula Deen through the years

In addition to the investment, Steven Nanula, who has worked as lead developer for the Paula Deen Food Co. for the past two years, was appointed chief executive of Paula Deen Ventures.

Deen hasn’t secured any major TV deals yet, but is reported to be in contact with some networks and other potential partners. That list of potential partners does not include the Food Network, according to a Food Network spokeswoman.

Deen was once considered the reigning queen of Southern cuisine on TV, made famous by her drawl and her often heavy use of butter and mayonnaise. Despite the scandal that forced her off the Food Network, Deen’s fans have remained loyal on social media. Fans frequently leave comments on her Facebook page saying they miss her show and condemning her “Today” show interview as unfair.

Throngs of screaming fans greeted Deen at a recent Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show in Houston.

Do you think it’s time for a Paula Deen comeback? Would you watch a new Paula Deen TV show? Let us know in the comments below.

Want more TV food news? Follow me on Twitter: @Jenn_Harris_

ALSO:

Valentine’s Day: 16 L.A. bakeries’ love-themed sweets

Spiciest pizza ever? Well, it made one man’s tongue bleed

Chick-fil-A will switch to antibiotic-free chicken -- but in five years?