Is the Paula Deen Clan "America's First Family of Food"?

On the occasion of the highly anticipated second season of Not My Mama's Meals on the Food Network, the New York Post talks to host Bobby Deen (son of pharma shill/grease queen Paula Deen). Not My Mama's Meals is Bobby remaking his mom's recipes into healthier versions — hamburgers become portobello burgers, for example — in an attempt to improve the family's corrupted, fat-laden image. The story also calls the Deen family "America's first family of food." Does that make Bobby Deen the grease prince?

Anyway, the story has a not unexpected reveal: "He was aware of Paula's [diabetes] diagnosis before and during production of the first season." So, questions: Did execs at the Food Network know about Paula Deen's diabetes diagnosis? Were they complicit in hiding it from the public until Paula Deen was ready to announce it (alongside a multi-million dolla pharma deal)? Did the network approve the show as part of a pre-emptive campaign to improve Paula Deen's image before the big announcement?

· The Deen Gene [NYP]
· All Paula Deen Coverage on Eater [-E-]