Paula Deen -- Sobs at First Public Appearance After Racist Scandal (Photos)

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Paula Deen
SOBS at First Public Appearance
After Racist Scandal
Paula Deen was a big butterball of emotion today during her first public appearance since settling the racial discrimination lawsuit that destroyed her career ... and we've got the pics.

Paula appeared in Houston, Texas today for the Metro Cooking and Entertainment Show to mark her return ... and got choked up after receiving a standing ovation when she hit the stage.

The 66-year old chef told the crowd she had been wanting her return to take place in Texas all along ... and was just shedding tears of joy.

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In case you've been living under a rock -- Deen was dropped by tons of sponsors after she admitted to using the n-word during the depo for the lawsuit earlier this year.
The crowd in Texas seems to have forgiven Paula -- so we gotta ask ... Get TMZ Breaking News alerts to your inbox

Usher's Son -- First Photo After Horrific Pool Accident

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Usher's Son
First Photo
After Horrific Pool Accident
Usher's ex-wife is clearly trying to prove a point ... she's a caring mother who deserves custody of their sons -- after the eldest nearly drowned this week -- and this photo tells the story.

Tameka Raymond posted the photo today, the first pic of 5-year-old Usher Raymond V since the horrific accident on Monday ... and it paints a picture of motherly love and protection. Tameka's arms are wrapped around her son, and he's surrounded by get-well-soon balloons.

It's a subtle dig at Usher ... who is noticeably absent.

As we reported, Tameka is blaming Usher for the pool accident, claiming he isn't an attentive father -- despite having primary custody of their two boys -- and she's already filed legal docs attempting to get custody back.

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