“SVU” Episode to Merge Paula Deen Scandal, Trayvon Martin Shooting
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Art Streiber/NBC(LOS ANGELES) — An upcoming episode of Law & Order: SVU is truly “ripped from the headlines.” It will be inspired by both the Trayvon Martin shooting and the recent Paula Deen scandal.
Cybill Shepherd plays Jolene Castille, a famous southern chef, in the episode. Shepherd’s character guns down an unarmed black teenager wearing a hoodie. She claims self-defense because there’s a rapist on the loose with the same description, according to TV Guide.
The episode will also feature Jeffrey Tambor as the chef’s attorney. Executive producer Warren Leight explains to Entertainment Weekly that the episode will explore, “Is racial profiling justifiable? Can self-defense involve racial profiling? We’re diving right into that.”
The episode will air in October. Law & Order: SVU begins its 15th season on Sept. 25.
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