In more fallout from Donald Trump’s derogatory comments on Mexican immigrants, NBC has entirely cut ties with the billionaire. The network has announced that it will not air the Trump-owned Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, which Spanish language channel Univision also dropped last week, as well as continuing the series Celebrity Apprentice without Trump’s involvement.
The reaction stems from comments Trump made while announcing his Republican presidential bid two weeks ago. “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best,” he said. “They’re not sending you … They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
According to the Washington Post, Trump’s TV series Celebrity Apprentice had already been renewed before the remarks, but was on hold due to his bid for the 2016 presidential election. NBC will continue the show without Trump’s involvement.
In a written statement, NBC publicly denounced Trump’s statements today, saying that “respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values,” adding, “Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump.”
Trump has said that ending his relationship with NBC is “OK” because his “view on immigration is much different than the people at NBC.”
The real estate mogul has so far stood by his statements, calling his opinions on immigration “correct” — regardless of the ramifications. “If NBC is so weak and so foolish not to understand the serious illegal immigration problem in the United States, coupled with the horrendous and unfair trade deals we are making with Mexico, then their contract violating closure of Miss Universe/Miss USA will be determined in court.”
It is unclear at this time which network (if any) will carry the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants. We’ll keep you updated on any developments.
