An NBC executive told reporters Thursday that its show, “The Celebrity Apprentice” will return, but without its longtime host, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, according to a report on variety.com.
The show will not be on this upcoming season, and a date for when it will return is not yet determined, NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt told reporters, according to the publication.
Greenblatt said the network has not yet chosen a new host, but wants someone who “will make noise and will be a big personality.”
“There are a few people out there that fit that bill,” he said, according to the magazine.
NBC Universal ended its relationship with Trump earlier this summer after the businessman said Mexican immigrants are “rapists” and drug dealers.
NBC also vowed to discontinue airing the annual Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.
Greenblatt said there is no NBC “ban” against Trump, but he can “absolutely not” return to “The Celebrity Apprentice,” according to the report.
“I don’t think somebody who is running for president and might possibly be the next leader of the free world should be banned from activity with NBC,” Greenblatt said. “At the moment, we’re sort of separated.”
Trump commented on the situation on Twitter.
People don’t understand that I left The Apprentice to run for Pres—the Apprentice DID NOT leave me. Bob Greenblatt & folks @NBC were GREAT!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2015
h/t: Mediaite
