At least two of the quasi-celebrities Donald Trump was rumored to have invited to appear at the Republican National Convention have shrugged off reports that they’ll attend.
Bloomberg News, citing “people familiar with the planning,” reported Tuesday that the Trump campaign had been looking to book several athletes and celebrities to appear at the GOP convention next month in Cleveland. Among the names Bloomberg reported were heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka.
“No one’s ever talked to me about it. I have no idea where it’s coming from,” Ditka told The Chicago Tribune, adding that he would give a speech if Trump asked him to.
A representative for Tyson told the Washington Post that the former boxer hadn’t spoken to Trump, adding “I don’t think he was invited at all.”
The rumors seemed to gain momentum after Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, said in a radio interview Wednesday that the convention wouldn’t have “a ho-hum lineup of, you know, the typical politicians” and would include coaches and athletes.
h/t: Slate