(CNN) -- Celebrity chef Paula Deen's sons staunchly defended their mother Tuesday, saying allegations of racism are false "character assassination." 

"Neither one of our parents ever taught us to be bigoted toward any other person for any reason," Bobby Deen told CNN's "New Day" in an exclusive interview with Chris Cuomo. 

"Our mother is one of the most compassionate, good-hearted, empathetic people that you'd ever meet," he added. "These accusations are very hurtful to her, and it's very sad." 

In a recent lawsuit deposition, Deen admitted having used the "N-word" long ago. The suit alleges discrimination and racism at two of Deen's restaurants. 

But the Deen sons -- also chefs with TV shows, and part of their family's restaurant businesses -- insisted the depictions of their mother are an effort by the plaintiff to get a chunk of the family fortune. 

"I'm disgusted by the entire thing, because it began as extortion and it has become character assassination," Bobby Deen said. 

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Jamie Deen said it's "ridiculous, completely absurd to think there is an environment of racism in our business, and it's really disrespectful to the people that we work with. We have strong, educated men and women of character that have been with us for five, 10, 15, 20 years. To think they would allow themselves to be in this position is simply baloney. It's ridiculous." 

When he was a child, Jamie Deen said, his parents taught him the story of his hero, baseball legend Hank Aaron. They explained that "the challenges (Aaron) had to overcome because of his color was unacceptable." 
What sport did Hank Aaron play?
baseball