Paula Deen lawsuit: Race discrimination claims dismissed

SAVANNAH, Ga. (KABC) -- A federal judge in Georgia has dismissed race discrimination claims against Paula Deen that cost the celebrity chef a big portion of her empire.

The ruling leaves intact the sexual harassment claims.

Deen and her brother, Bubba Hiers, was sued by Lisa Jackson, a former Savannah restaurant manager, last year. Jackson alleged she was subjected to sexual harassment and racist attitudes during the five years she worked at their restaurant.

U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. said Jackson, who is white, has no standing to sue them for race discrimination.

Deen has been swamped in controversy since court documents filed in June revealed Deen admitted that she has used the N-word. "Yes, of course," Deen said, though she added, "It's been a very long time."

The Food Network and other business partners dropped Deen after she acknowledged the racial slurs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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