Progressive media watchdog group Media Matters for America launched a petition Friday urging NBC to remove President-elect Donald Trump as an executive producer of “The Celebrity Apprentice.” That request, apparently, hit a vein, as Media Matters said Saturday morning that it’s the fastest growing petition in the organization’s history, picking up 15,000 signatures in less-than 12 hours.
According to Trump’s spokesperson, he will retain an executive producer credit and a “big stake” in the reality show while in the Oval Office. However, in two Saturday morning tweets, Trump emphatically denied that he would have any active role in the show that he hosted for 14 seasons other than collecting royalty checks while president.
Media Matters was hardly satisfied with Trump’s explanations, calling his financial ties to NBC — which is “financially invested in Donald Trump’s brand and reputation” — a “clear conflict of interest.”
“NBC has placed its reporters in an untenable position,” Media Matters President Angelo Carusone said in a statement. “Even if we assume the very best and there’s no impact on coverage (which seems unlikely), NBC’s relationship with Trump will still cast a shadow over their journalists’ reporting.”
“News companies need to be doing everything possible to restore faith and confidence in the media right now, not further undermine it,” Carusone added. “NBC needs to rectify this before it affects their credibility and before it spills over and embroils the show’s current sponsors in controversy.”
In June of 2015, NBC said in a statement that it would cut its business ties with Donald Trump — which obviously has not happened. The upcoming season of “Celebrity Apprentice” is set to premiere on Jan. 2.
Omarosa vs. Piers Morgan The woman America loved to hate, “Apprentice” alum Omarosa Manigualt, went toe-to-toe with journalist/host Piers Morgan on the spin-off's first season. On one episode, Omarosa welcomes Morgan to the “war room” by spilling her wine on his head. But Morgan came out on top, winning the season.
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The late Joan Rivers vs. Annie Duke and Brande Roderick Don’t mess with the Mother Hen. Ever. Melissa Rivers and her mother, Joan, were both contestants on Season 2. But in “Right Guard, Right Way Out,” Donald Trump fired Melissa over poker player Annie Duke and Playboy playmate Brande Roderick (“Baywatch"). Joan wasted no time slinging insults at the pair after the board meeting. “You are a piece of shit,” Joan says to Duke with a stern finger before calling Roderick a “stupid blonde” all in the same breath.
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Dennis Rodman vs. Clint Black NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman went from “0 to 100” quickly during Season 2. Rodman had enough of Clint Black after the country singer-songwriter won a coin toss for team KOTU to take the second presentation slot. Rodman curses at Black and rips the microphone from him, slamming it on the floor. In the end, Rodman’s erratic behavior, drinking and sudden absences led to his firing.
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Meat Loaf vs. Gary Busey Actor Gary Busey was known for his antics during Season 4, and it infuriated the “I Would Do Anything for Love” singer. At one point, Meat Loaf believes the “Lethal Weapon” actor stole his art supplies. Cue tirade. “You do not want to fuck with me,” Meatloaf yells. And Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath keeps Meat Loaf from lunging at the actor.
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NeNe Leakes vs. Star Jones This verbal showdown happened between "Real Housewives" star Nene Leakes and former "The View" co-host Star Jones on Season 4. After Jones suggested Leakes as project manager for a task, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star called out the shadiness. “Who the fuck died and made you in charge of project managers?” Leakes asked. “Who are you? Who are you? I will take you down.”
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Arsenio Hall vs. Aubrey O' Day Arsenio Hall made former Danity Kane member Aubrey O’ Day cry on Season 5 when the talk show host couldn’t hold back his agitation with the singer's ego. “She won’t remember, because if it’s not her idea, she won’t remember it. I’m not saying anything that’s not true,” Hall asserted.
O’ Day tried to refute Hall’s claim, even stating she had lost respect for him. “Because I have to kiss your ass for you to admire me,” Hall said, much to the shock of Trump.
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Gary Busey vs. Gary Busey
The Oscar-nominated actor was never short on words or phrases during his stint on Season 4 and the “All Star” edition. He even had his own definition of “fun”: finally understanding nothing. On one episode, Busey takes the time to explain who he really is. “I’m an angel in an Earth suit,” he said while pointing to himself. No argument here.
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Have a look at some outrageous tirades and laughable moments from Donald Trump’s NBC competition series
Omarosa vs. Piers Morgan The woman America loved to hate, “Apprentice” alum Omarosa Manigualt, went toe-to-toe with journalist/host Piers Morgan on the spin-off's first season. On one episode, Omarosa welcomes Morgan to the “war room” by spilling her wine on his head. But Morgan came out on top, winning the season.
Douglas Gorenstein/NBC
NBC
