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
NBC has jumped the shark (maybe again for the 47th time) when they say, “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,”
I know who can be the next host. Someone who will never ever have any viable political career. A big, noisy personality. Sarah Palin!
Nonsense. It’s how DT will choose his running mate. YUUUUUGE ratings.
I disagree that they’ve jumped the shark by saying NBC won’t ban all activity involving Trump. The NBC/MSNBC News arms are part of NBC. They can’t nor should they ban a presidential candidate, one who is leading in the polls, from appearing on any of their news broadcasts. They would be an especially big mistake if somehow Trump were to get the nomination.
Aww, Poor Trump…he got FIRED!!