Trump prompts Univision Miss USA exit

US Hispanic broadcaster Univision has axed its planned broadcast of the Miss USA pageant in July following controversial comments from Donald Trump, who part-owns the event.

Donald Trump hopes to be
the next US president

Trump, a property developer and star of the US version of The Apprentice, said immigrants from Mexico “have lots of problems” and “are bringing those problems to us.”

“They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists,” he continued, “and some, I assume, are good people.”

The comments were made during a speech to launch Trump’s run for the US presidency but have now prompted the US broadcaster to end its relationship with the Miss Universe Organization.

“We will not be airing the Miss USA pageant on July 12 or working on any other projects tied to the Trump Organization,” the broadcaster said in a statement, blaming Trump’s “recent insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants.”

The statement added: “At Univision, we see first-hand the work ethic, love for family, strong religious values and the important role Mexican immigrants and Mexican-Americans have had and will continue to have in building the future of our country.”

The event is a joint venture between NBCUniversal and Trump, who has said he will sue Univision for what he claims is a breach of contract.

NBC distanced themselves from Trump, saying that his “opinions do not represent those of NBC, and we do not agree with his positions on a number of issues, including his recent comments on immigration.”

Trump, meanwhile, has refused to back down, Tweeting: “Mexican gov doesn’t want me talking about terrible border situation & horrible trade deals. Forcing Univision to get me to stop- no way!”