In June 2013, Deen was sued by Lisa Jackson for racial and sexual discrimination. Jackson said that Deen made derogatory remarks regarding African Americans. Jackson also said that Deen mused about wedding plans for her brother with a "true Southern plantation-style theme" with black male servers but rejected the plans "because the media would be on me about that". The case was heard in August 2013, with the judge dismissing the suit with prejudice. Both sides agreed to dismiss the lawsuit "without any award of costs or fees to any party".