Puerto Rican singer-actress Roselyn Sanchez and Chilean actor Cristián de la Fuente were slated to be co-hosts for the Spanish simulcast of Miss USA 2015, but they have decided not to participate in the show due to the anti-immigrant speech of Miss Universe Organization owner Donald Trump. Their decision came after Univision's move to cancel its broadcast of the show and Colombian singer J Balvin's choice to cancel his performance during the beauty pageant.
Trump's controversial statement took place at a kick-off event for his 2016 presidential campaign last week. In his speech, Trump said that the U.S. has become "a dumping ground" and that Mexican immigrants coming to the U.S. are "bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists."
Sanchez posted a statement in Spanish on Instagram to explain her decision, saying that she doesn't tolerate the "disrespectful and hurtful words" said by Trump. The actress said that Mexicans have contributed positively to the U.S.
"I was very grateful with the opportunity to serve as a co-host of this great event in which many Latinas have shined, but I am more excited for the loyalty to my people. Enough with racism and 'influential' people that belittle," she said
Her co-host and "Devious Maids" co-star de la Fuente also took to social media to explain his decision for pulling out of the pageant, posting a video on Facebook. The actor said that it is unacceptable to launch a presidential candidacy based on hatred and discrimination in calling Mexicans "drug dealers and rapists."
"It is a shame that such an important institution as Miss USA is in the hands of a clown," he continued.
Univision also released a statement, saying that they will not be airing the Miss USA pageant or working with any project tied to Trump's organization.
Meanwhile, NBC, the network set to broadcast the pageant live from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Sunday, July 12, released a statement on Thursday, distancing itself from Trump's incendiary remarks and said that Trump's opinions do not represent those of NBC, adding that they do not agree with his positions on a number of issues, including his latest comments on immigration.
