Paula Deen Incredulous About Ancestors' Slave Ownership

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aula Deen has had a rough year. From being diagnosed with diabetes to the subsequent backlash, this Food Network star hasn't had it easy lately. Unfortunately, it's gotten just a smidge worse lately, thanks to her appearance on NBC's show Who Do You Think You Are?, where she learned that her ancestors were slave owners.

Considering Deen's family is from the South, it's not a total surprise that they would've owned slaves back then.

"I had said so many times that my family was never involved in slavery. It is horrific and it is sad. I almost feel like someone took a bucket of cold water and threw it into my face," Deen commented.

While we understand the outrage, it seems strange that she would be this shocked over her great great great grandfather, John Batts, owning slaves. Something about ultra- Southern families, several generations ago...it's not right, by any means, but it's kind of expected that you'll find that in your background if that's where your family is from, right?

The episode looked through 1860 census records, which showed that Batts was incredibly rich for his time. Records show that he owned 35 slaves, some of them children as young as 8.