Black 'Next Food Network Star' -- Give Paula Deen a Break ... 'We Are All Human'

The chef who won Season 4 of "The Next Food Network Star" is coming out in defense of Paula Deen, saying she's been nothing but a friend to him throughout his career ... even though he's Black.

Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. just released a statement on his Facebook page, writing, "Paula has always been very helpful and supportive throughout my career, and as her friend I'm saddened to see that she is going through a tough time right now."

Aaron asked his fans to give Paula the benefit of the doubt, and added, "We are all human and we should never be too quick to judge anyone."