Author Anne Rice Defends Paula Deen: "This Looks Like a Crucifixion"

Writer best known for the Vampire Chronicles says celebrity chef is the victim of "a lynch mob culture"

Anne Rice is sinking her teeth into the Paula Deen controversy.

The Vampire Chronicles author took to Facebook to share her thoughts about how the celebrity chef is being treated in the wake of admitting in a deposition to using the N-word.

"What's happening with Paula Dean [sic]? Is it fair? I never heard of her until today, and wow, this looks like a crucifixion," Rice wrote.

She added, "I may be wrong but aren't we becoming something of a lynch mob culture? Is this a good example of that? What are your feelings?"

Not surprising, reaction to Rice's remarks were mixed.

One commenter wrote, "Anne, you're a great author...but seriously girl, 'lynch mob culture?' Are you kidding me? Rather clumsy choice of words when discussing this topic. Because just in case you don't know, most lynch mobs end with the dead black man or child hanging from a tree."

Another added, "Crucifed? This woman is not Jesus. And did you really use the word 'lynch' to describe a woman being fired for being a racist? How utterly absurd."

Meanwhile, another Facebook user seemed to agree with Rice, writing, "For this to come out about something being said years ago is a bit much of a witch hunt."

While Deen issued a video apology last Friday for using the derogatory slur, the 66-year-old was nevertheless dropped from the Food Network and, most recently, by Smithfield Foods, a company specializing in pork products, with which Deen had a line of hams. QVC has also announced that it is "reviewing" its business relationship with Deen and has "no immediate plans to have her appear" on the network.

Deen is expected to address the controversy on Wednesday's Today show after canceling her appearance on the program last week.