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Paula Deen has had a rough day that began early this morning when she was “physically unable” to appear for a sit down interview with Matt Lauer on the TODAY show.

Things deteriorated rapidly as the kitchen maven issued two video apologies. The biggest hit of all was confirmation by her employer, the Food Network, that they do not plan to renew Paula’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of June.

The first apology (available here) was stilted and heavily edited-causing an immediate firestorm from fans and foes who called it insincere and bizarre.

A second video was released an hour later. That one was a direct response to NBC host Matt Lauer, who wrote on Twitter this morning, “Hoping to get more info on the Paula Deen situation soon. Very confusing.”

Dean responded on video #2, “I was invited this morning to speak with Matt Lauer about a subject that has been very hurtful for a lot of people. And Matt, I have to say, I was physically not able this morning. The pain has been tremendous that I have caused to myself and to others. So, I’m taking this opportunity, now that I’ve pulled myself together and am able to speak, to offer an apology.”

Check out the second video here:

Photo: WENN