After Donald Trump made derogatory remarks about Mexican immigrants, NBC released a statement on Monday, June 29, saying that they are ending their working relationship with the real estate tycoon.
NBC's official statement reads: "At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values. Due to the derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump."
According to Us Weekly, the network added that Trump's entertainment ventures with the network, which include the Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants, would be pulled from the telecast. The network did not cancel Trump's hit reality series, "The Apprentice," but noted that the mogul would not be returning to the program.
The backlash started when Trump, 69, made controversial statements about immigrants at a presidential campaign kickoff event last month. He said that the U.S. has become a "dumping ground" and that when Mexico sends over people to the U.S., they're not sending their best and that "they're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists."
Because of his statements, Roselyn Sanchez and Cristian de la Fuente, who were slated to be co-hosts for the Spanish simulcast of Miss USA 2015, decided not to participate in the show. The two released their official statements last week, and Colombian singer J Balvin has also cancelled his performance at the upcoming pageant.
Recently, Cheryl Burke has also issued a statement saying that she was stepping down as Miss USA co-host after Trump's comments and NBC's decision to cut ties with the presidential candidate. Burke was going to co-host with Thomas Roberts, but an NBC spokesperson confirmed to Us Weekly that Roberts won't be participating in the pageant as well.
In response to NBC's statement, Trump released his own statement to Us saying that he stands by his statements on illegal immigration.
"NBC is weak, and like everybody else is trying to be politically correct — that is why our country is in serious trouble," he said.
