Business

Deen loses book deal

Paula Deen’s upcoming cookbook was the hottest title on Amazon yesterday — but it was also a hot potato.

Perhaps too hot as Ballantine Books yesterday canceled publication of “Paula Deen’s New Testament: 250 Favorite Recipes, All Lightened Up,” due in October.

Shoppers on Amazon this week posted hundreds of comments supporting the embattled celebrity chef.

At the same time, Deen’s empire of corporate tie-ups continued to unravel after the Southern cooking queen admitted to using the N-word in the past.

Sears, JCPenney and Walgreen said yesterday they’re ending their partnerships with the 66-year-old Georgia native.

Since last week, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Caesars Entertainment, Smithfield Foods and the Food Network have severed ties.

QVC said it was “taking a pause” from Deen. The home shopping network said Deen isn’t slated to appear on any broadcasts and it will phase out her products online over the next few months.