Univision announced the company's intention to cut ties with Donald Trump, including the Trump Organization's Miss Universe pageant, in response to his derogatory remarks that Mexican immigrants bring crime, drugs, and rapists into America. Trump has stood by his remarks and has announced plans to sue the network.
Univision Drops Trump's Miss Universe In Response To His “Insulting Remarks About Mexican Immigrants”
Trump Stands By His Remarks, Promises To Sue Univision
Written by Cristina López G.
Published
Univision, America's Largest Hispanic Network, Announces Boycott Of Trump's Miss Universe Pageant
Univision Won't Air The Miss Universe Pageant. In a June 25 press release, Univision announced “that it is ending the Company's business relationship with the Miss Universe Organization” and “any other projects tied to the Trump Organization” based on Donald Trump's recent insulting, anti-immigrant remarks. From the press release:
Today, the entertainment division of Univision Communications Inc. announced that it is ending the Company's business relationship with the Miss Universe Organization, which is part-owned by Donald J. Trump, based on his recent, insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants. 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. We will not be airing the Miss USA pageant on July 12th or working on any other projects tied to the Trump Organization.
Univision News and the local news division will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of all candidates, including Mr. Trump, to ensure our audience continues to have access to all points of view. [Univision, 6/25/15]
Univision's Decision Follows Donald Trump's Insulting Remarks About Mexican Immigrants
Donald Trump: Mexican Immigrants Are “Bringing Drugs. They're Bringing Crime. They're Rapists.” During his June 16 announcement about his intentions to run for the Republican nomination for president, Donald Trump made incendiary remarks about Mexican immigrants (emphasis added):
Thank you. It's true, and these are the best and the finest. When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best. They're not sending you. 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 tell us what we're getting. And it only makes common sense. It only makes common sense. They're sending us not the right people. [Washington Post, 6/16/15]
Trump Stands By Racist Remarks, Threatens To Sue Univision
Trump: “I Am Personally Offended By The Mainstream Media's Attempt To Distort My Comments Regarding Mexico.” Facing major blowback, Trump accused the media of distorting his remarks. He told CNN:
“I am personally offended by the mainstream media's attempt to distort my comments regarding Mexico and its great people,” he said. “I have many successful business relationships with Mexican companies and employ, and am close friends with, many Mexican people. I also have tremendous respect for the leaders of Mexico, who, frankly, are much smarter and tougher than our politicians here in the United States.” [CNN, 6/24/15]
Trump: “But Of Course They're Criminals In Many Cases. Why Would I Change That Statement?” During an interview with Fox News' The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, Trump revealed, “I'm gonna have to sue Univision now,” in retaliation for the network dropping his pageant. For good measure, Trump also reiterated his position on Mexican immigrants:
TRUMP: “Greta [sic], that's what's happening. Do you think they're sending their best people over here? And I'm not just talking Mexico, I'm talking about all over the world, they're coming through the southern border. You're gonna have them coming from the Middle East, you have them coming all over. You just speak to the border guards. Do you think they're sending their best and their finest over here? It's not just Mexico. Everybody's pouring through the border. And I'm angry at Mexico because Mexico allows it to happen. But of course they're criminals in many cases. Why would I change that statement? [Fox News, The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, 6/25/15]