Why Is Anne Rice Bringing Up Paula Deen's Weight?

Famed vampire novelist Anne Rice took a Facebook stance in defense of Paula Deen's racist comments Friday, and has since seen more publicity than she has since the late '70s (or maybe ever, really). So far, she's accused the media of engaging in "lynch mob culture" and of discriminating against Southerners, further popularizing a defense of Deen as a sweet, old grandma who simply loves sugar and hates black people.

Possibly the most off-kilter of her comments on the situation, though, is a mention of weight discrimination. Rice made the following statement in response to Facebook comments regarding her original status:

"It's so easy to persecute an older, overweight, unwise, crude, ignorant woman who may very well be a good person at heart who has achieved a great deal in her life. So easy to vilify her and hate her and try to destroy her life. Woe to anyone today who is not slender, young, clever and politically correct."

Who's stereotyping now, Anne? This entire conversation is already uglier than it needs to be, and infantilizing Paula Deen due to her physical appearance isn't helping matters.

Considering that Rice self-reportedly only learned of Deen's existence last week, she probably doesn't realize that Deen has struggled with weight issues in the past. But regardless of the specifics, any discussion of Deen's appearance seems unnecessary and, honestly, just kind of mean. What's really being defended here — is it Paula Deen that Rice is concerned for, or is she just reacting to a criticism of her own Christian, southern upbringing?

Deen has (sort of) taken responsibility for her actions — let's not nullify that effort by making excuses.