VIDEO Paula Deen backtracks from N-word testimony on Today, didn’t know it was offensive

Paula Deen appeared on Today this morning for her first public interview since the fallout from a deposition revealing that she had used the N-word.

The embattled restaurant mogul fought back tears as she attempted to explain her position and to defend her actions. Sponsors have been dropping their endorsements of the popular cook, the Food Network refused to extend her contract and the whole ordeal has fueled a massive support campaign for Deen via Facebook.

Here is the complete interview of Paula Deen on Today:

When Lauer asked if she thought she was being treated fairly by the businesses that are distancing themselves from her she said, “Would I have fired me? Knowing me? No. I am so very thankful for the partners I have who believe in me. QVC has not dropped me, there are only two that have dropped me.”

Matt then straight up asked Deen if she was a racist and she answered, “No.” She insisted that the only time she used the N-word was when an African-American was robbing her at gun point, an event that happened in 1986. During the deposition which started this firestorm, she stated under oath that she was “sure” she used the offensive term more than once in her lifetime.

When she was asked if she had any doubt as to whether or not the N-word was offensive to African-Americans this was Deen’s answer:

“I don’t know, I have asked myself that so many times. It’s very distressing for me to go into my kitchens and hear what these young people are calling each other … it’s very distressing for me. I think for this problem to be worked on, that these young people are gonna have to take control and start showing respect for each other.”

Deen stated that she was heartbroken and when Lauer asked if it was for herself she said, “I’ve had to hold friends in my arms while they’ve sobbed because they know what’s being said about me it’s not true. And I’m having to comfort them and tell them it’s gonna be alright, if God got us to it, he’ll get us through it.”

Towards the end Paula looked directly at the camera and pleaded:

“If there’s anyone out there that has never said something that they wish they could take back, if you’re out there, please pick up that stone and throw it so hard at my head that it kills me, please I want to meet you. I is what I is and I’m not changing. There’s someone evil out there that saw what I had worked for and they wanted it.”

Less than two hours after the above interview aired, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Wal-Mart and Home Depot cut ties with Deen’s company, Paula Deen Enterprises.