Paula Deen defended by Piers Morgan

Paula Deen may be dropping corporate sponsorships like flies, but she still has a friend at CNN.

CNN anchor Piers Morgan said Friday that while he didn't "support" Deen's admitted use of the n-word, he also didn't support Walmart's decision to fire her.

"I feel fonder to firms that stand by shamed celebrities, than I do to those that dump them like a sack of spuds. #PaulaDeen #loyalty" Morgan tweeted on Friday.

Morgan clarified his previous tweet by saying that he didn't approve of the 66-year-old celebrity cook's behavior, but wondered whether Walmart's gun policy contradicted its dismissal of Deen.

"That doesn't mean I support what the errant celebrities did, just means I admire loyalty in times of crisis," he said. "Walmart dumped Paula Deen, but continued to sell AR-15 assault rifles after Sandy Hook - interesting ethical credo."

Meanwhile, Ballantine Books has canceled the publication of Deen's next book, "Paula Deen's NewTestament: 250 Favorite Recipes, All Lightened Up," though it had already hit the top of Amazon's best-seller list.