AMERICAN TELEVISION NETWORK NBC has cut all ties with businessman and wannabe presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The decision was made following the billionaire’s speeches regarding immigrants as he gears up for his political campaign.
In a statement, the station said, “Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump.”
It said that at NBC, “respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values”.
In a speech as part of his attempt to gain the Republican presidential nomination, Trump spoke about building a “great wall” on the US-Mexican border – that would be paid for by Mexico.
On 16 June, he said: “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some I assume are good people, but I speak to border guards, and they tell us what we are getting.”
The network – who had come under public pressure in recent days – confirmed that the annual Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, which were a joint venture with Trump, will no longer air on NBC.
There was also further confirmation that he will not be participating on The Apprentice.
Responding to the decision, Trump sent a statement to Politico.com, standing by his statements on 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.
We must have strong borders and not let illegal immigrants enter the United States. As has been stated continuously in the press, people are pouring across our borders unabated.
“Public reports routinely state great amounts of crime are being committed by illegal immigrants. This must be stopped and it must be stopped now. Long ago I told NBC that I would not being doing The Apprentice because I am running for President in order to Make our Country Great Again.”
He continued…
“If NBC is so weak and so foolish to not 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. Furthermore, they will stand behind lying Brian Williams, but won’t stand behind people that tell it like it is, as unpleasant as that may be.”
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