US television network NBCUniversal has ended its relationship with real estate developer Donald Trump and his Miss USA and Miss Universe shows after controversial remarks he made in announcing his 2016 presidential bid.
The pageants, which were part of a joint venture between NBC and Trump, would no longer air on NBC “due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants”, the company said in a statement.
Mr Trump was already not going to take part in The Apprentice on NBC, a show in which he uses his signature “You’re fired” as he eliminates competitors.
The network said Celebrity Apprentice licensed from United Artists Media Group would continue.
Mr Trump, in announcing on June 16 that he was seeking the Republican Party nomination for president, described migrants from Mexico to the United States as drug-runners and rapists.
The provocative comments, including a pledge to build a “great wall” on the border paid for by Mexico, were the latest in a series of swipes against the country.
Mexicans rich and poor, cabinet ministers and staunch critics of the government alike reacted angrily to Mr Trump.
On Monday, when Mr Trump spoke in Chicago, a crowd of protesters, many of them Latinos, demonstrated outside.
The billionaire was speaking to a sold-out crowd of 350 people at the City Club.
Hundreds more had tried to get tickets and were put on a wait list, the public policy forum said.
He said after the NBC announcement that he was no longer affiliated with the broadcaster but stood by his campaign trail comments.
“Mr Trump stands by his statements on illegal immigration, which are accurate,” a Trump Organisation statement said.
“NBC is weak and, like everybody else, is trying to be politically correct.
“That is why our country is in serious trouble.”
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You’re fired: Network cuts ties with Trump over Mexican remarks