Trump, you're fired! TV contestants turn on mentor

Image
AFP New York
Last Updated : Apr 16 2016 | 1:02 AM IST
- Several former participants of the program that catapulted Donald Trump into a reality television star turned the tables on the Republican frontrunner today, hitting out at the "sexism" and "racism" of his presidential campaign.
Trump's well-worn catchphrase "You're fired!" signaled the end for contestants on "The Apprentice," but they returned to haunt the billionaire real-estate mogul ahead of the crucial New York state primary on Tuesday.
The group, including Dr Randal Pinkett, an entrepreneur and 2004 season four winner on the show, now want voters to give Trump the boot.
"We respect Donald's success as a businessman and we genuinely appreciate the opportunity afforded to us by 'The Apprentice,'" Pinkett told a New York press conference, saying the former contestants were speaking out "as an act of patriotism and not disloyalty."
"So much is at stake in this election, not only for America but also for the world today, we denounce Donald's campaign of sexism, xenophobia, racism, violence and hate as a unified team."
Kwame Jackson, another former participant on the show, accused Trump of "stoking the flames of our worst demons."
"He has appealed to the lowest common denominator of fear, racism and divisiveness," added Jackson.
Trump, who has been accused of misogyny and courted controversy for a string of incendiary remarks, including calling for a ban on Muslims entering the United States, gave short shrift to the latest flak flying his way
In a statement, he branded them "six failing wannabes out of hundreds of contestants."
They were guilty of "total dishonesty and disloyalty," he added.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 16 2016 | 1:02 AM IST

Next Story