IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

NBC cuts ties with Donald Trump in wake of immigration comments

NBCUniversal has announced that it is ending its business relationship with real estate mogul and 2016 presidential candidate Donald Trump.
/ Source: TODAY

NBCUniversal has announced that it is ending its business relationship with real estate mogul and 2016 presidential candidate Donald Trump “due to the recent derogatory statements” he made about Mexican immigrants.

"At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values," the network said in a statement on Monday. "Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump."

As a result, NBC will no longer air the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, which were part of a joint venture between Trump and the network. NBC will, however, continue with "Celebrity Apprentice" as Trump announced that his involvement with the show would end when he announced his presidential campaign.

Trump's controversial statements came as a part of his announcement of his 2016 presidential bid on June 16.

"When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best," Trump 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, but I speak to border guards and they're telling us what we're getting."

In the wake of the statements, Univision announced that it would end its relationship with the Miss Universe competition and NBC is the latest to follow suit.

Trump responded to NBCUniversal's decision during a news conference in Chicago on Monday.

"I've had a lot of great relationships with NBC," Trump said. "I think as far as ending the relationship, I have to do that because my view on immigration is much different than the people at NBC."