Following the Donald Trump controversy, it was uncertain if the Miss USA 2015 beauty pageant would go on. Luckily for the girls that have been preparing for the event all year, organizers decided to continue. Originally the show was to air in the U.S. on NBC with a simulcast in Spanish on Univision's UniMás. Following Trump's unfortunate comments about Mexicans and Latinos in general a huge backlash occured with talent for the show dropping like flies. Reelz cable channel came in to the rescue and picked up the show to broadcast on Sunday, July 12. This week it was announced that Todd Newton and Miss Wisconsin 2009 Alex Wehrley will co-host the event with Julie Alexandria taking duties with all the happenings backstage. Baton Rougue, Louisiana is going to heat up with Nia Sanchez handing over her crown to her successor. During this year's pageant, 8 Latinas will be competing for the crown. Watch it all as it unfolds in a live stream online, that will be available here, starting at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
Cristián De La Fuente, who was to host the Miss USA pageant in a simulcast in Spanish for UniMás said: "Mr. Trump, as a Latino I cannot work in an event associated with your name," he said. "The statements made against Mexicans, against immigrants, show that you are an ignorant. It is unacceptable for you to launch a presidential campaign based on hatred and discrimination when calling Mexicans drug traffickers and rapists. It’s a shame that such an important institution as MISS USA is now in the hands of a clown.”
Roselyn Sánchez was also to co-host the event and dropped out of her duties saying the following: "As a LATINA and proud of my roots, culture and everything we have contributed to this nation, I have decided to cancel my participation as co-host of Miss USA," Sánchez posted on Instagram. "I don't tolerate the disrespectful and hurtful words that came out of Mr. Trump's mouth." Roselyn continued her statement: "It seems like a like that in his announcement as a presidential candidate he would have that lack of judgement and decency. Mexicans, like all our Latino brothers have contributed positively to this great nation. We are the force that keeps this country afloat. I was very excited and grateful with the opportunity to serve as a co-host of this great event in which many Latinas have shined, but I am more excited for the loyalty to my people. Enough with racism and "influential" people that belittle."
Zuleyka Rivera, who was going to sit in the panel of judges for Miss USA, also quit the show after Trump's insults. With the responsibility and firmness that has always characterized me, I'm announcing that I have canceled my participation as judge at the Miss USA 2015 event," read the statement she posted on Twitter. "As a Latina, I don't agree with the comments made by Mr. Donald Trump referring to our Mexican brothers." J Balvin was scheduled to perform during the main event and canceled his appearance a day before Univision made the official announcement they were not airing the show. “It was going to be my first performance on national [mainstream] television,” Balvin told Billboard. “We’re talking about our roots, our culture, our values. This isn’t about being punitive, but about showing leadership through social responsibility. His comments weren’t just about Mexicans, but about all Latins in general.”
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