Judge Approves Deal Dismissing Paula Dean Lawsuit

SAVANNAH, Ga. - A federal judge has approved a deal to dismiss a discrimination lawsuit against celebrity cook Paula Deen.

U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. in Savannah signed an order Monday officially closing the case. Attorneys for Deen and an ex-employee who sued the former Food Network star last year had signed off on the deal when it was disclosed Friday. Both sides agreed to pay their own court costs and attorney fees. No other terms were disclosed.

Former restaurant manager Lisa Jackson had accused Deen and her brother, Bubba Hiers, of race discrimination and sexual harassment. Deen was being questioned under oath in the case in May when she acknowledged using racial slurs in the past. The Food Network and other business partners severed ties with her soon afterward.