Paula Deen gets support from studio audience following 'Today' appearance

NEW YORK – Paula Deen’s appearance on NBC’s “Today” Wednesday morning to address her past use of the N-word was met with largely positive reactions outside the "Today" studio in New York City.

The recently fired Food Network chef  broke down in tears as she sat with host Matt Lauer. “I is what I is, and I'm not changing,” Deen said in the interview.  “If there is anyone out there that has never said something that they wish they could take back, please pick up that stone and throw it so hard that it kills me.”

“I felt she was very sincere,” Michigan resident Michelle Connelly told FOX411. “Her remarks never swayed me at all.”

Others said the embattled chef's appearance, after blowing the show off last Friday, improved their opinion of her.

“It was very heartwarming,” said Missouri resident Carol Pine.  “I think I have warmer feelings for her than I did before.”

Pine said the South was a much different place 30 years ago when Deen made the comment, and that it was not uncommon to use such language.

“A lot of people in the South especially may have said that," she said. "I wouldn’t say it. I think it is wrong, but still.”

Several online polls have shown that a majority of people believe the Food Network overreacted by firing Dean, especially since she admitted to uttering the N-word before.

Twitter has also erupted with Paula Deen hashtags, many of which supported the Georgia native.

“God does everything for a reason @Paula_Deen Only God can judge your heart BTW my daughter loves your show (only way she can get me to cook),” actress Stacy Dash tweeted.

And while many experts have predicted Deen’s career is finished, Donald Trump for one still sees a bright future.

“Paula Deen made a big mistake in using a forbidden word but must be given some credit for admitting her mistake,” he tweeted.  “She will be back!”