Paula Deen 'Dancing With The Stars'? No Thanks, Former Food Star Says

Despite rumors that Paula Deen might join the cast of "Dancing With the Stars" in an effort to revamp her career, the celebrity chef has reportedly rejected an offer to appear on the competitive dancing show, according to Us Weekly.

"The dance floor is not the appropriate forum for her," a source close to Deen told the magazine.

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Deen, 66, suffered near career-ending fallout in June after she admitted to once using the N-word in a videotaped deposition for a discrimination lawsuit filed against her by a former employee at one of her restaurants.

Despite her public pleas and apologies, Deen was dropped from the Food Network and her publisher, and lost several major endorsement deals.

Some thought a spot on the popular "DWTS" would be a welcome change of pace for Deen to help get her career back on track.

"Right now, lots of controversial things are happening around her and her situation, and I think coming on something light and fun would be good for her," "DWTS" pro dancer Cheryl Burke told Us Weekly in June.

"I know she's had some big problems in the press, but the show's always been great about picking people [from the headlines]," "DWTS" pro Mark Ballas told Today.com in July. "I think what's really important is no matter who they pick, that they pick people who really want to be there, who really want to learn. When you have people like that, it's when you have the best cast. That's what makes it so fun."

Host Tom Bergeron agreed.

"We've seen career resurgences after the show," he said. "People go, 'I remember why I love that person!'"

Deen isn’t the first celebrity to turn down "DWTS." Former Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong, Motley Crue rocker Tommy Lee, political talker Ann Coulter, and one-time potential first lady Ann Romney have all said no to the reality show.

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