Paula Deen Returns to the Today Show and Apologizes: "My Words Hurt People"

On Tuesday, about a year after the Paula Deen racism controversy stole headlines, Paula made an appearance on Today to share what she's learned from the scandal and to talk about her upcoming business venture. Looking back at footage from her 2013 Today interview, Paula said she didn't recognize herself, saying, "I don't know that woman." When Matt Lauer asked what she's taken away from the experience, Paula said, "We are working on a documentary because I feel like everybody needs to know the whole entire story." She also took the opportunity to apologize for what she said, adding, "Words are so powerful. They can hurt, they can make people happy. Well, my words hurt people. They disappointed people, and frankly, I disappointed myself. And for that, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for the hurt that I caused people because it went deep." Watch the full interview above. Front Page