Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cheryl Burke Quits as Miss USA Co-Host Over Trump’s Comments

Professional dancer Cheryl Burke attends the Greater Los Angeles Chapter Of The American Diabetes Association's Father of the Year Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 18, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California
Professional dancer Cheryl Burke attends the Greater Los Angeles Chapter Of The American Diabetes Association’s Father of the Year Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 18, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California

*Cheryl Burke says count me out, too.

The “Dancing With the Stars” celeb has pulled out as co-host of the July 12 Miss USA pageant, citing NBC’s previous decision to pull the event due to its connection with Donald Trump.

The GOP presidential candidate is currently battling negative reactions to comments he made about immigration. Trump referred to Mexican immigrants as “criminals” and “rapists” during a speech announcing his White House run.

“In light of the recent statements made by Donald Trump and the subsequent decision by NBC to cut ties with Mr. Trump, I cannot in good conscience move forward with participating in this year’s Miss USA pageant as its co-host,” Burke said in a statement. “Effective today I have withdrawn from my duties with Miss USA. Although I will not be there in person, I wish all of the contestants much luck as I know how hard they’ve all been working over the last year to try and realize their dreams.”

This would have been Burke’s first time hosting the event — a gig she was scheduled to share with returning host, MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts. Roselyn Sanchez and Cristian De La Fuente, who would have hosted Univision’s Spanish-language simulcast of the ceremony, pulled out last week.

So far, E! News anchor Terrence Jenkins and “The Real” co-host Jeannie Mai are still signed on as part of the judging panel.

Pageant officials said Tuesday that despite all of the Trump turmoil, the annual contest will not be cancelled.

“We are disheartened by recent events but the show will go on,” the pageant’s governing body announced this morning, calling it an event that “is built on a foundation of inclusion and continues to be a celebration of diversity and of all cultures,” adding, “This year’s Miss USA contestants represent many different ethnic backgrounds, including six Latinas (four of whom are of Mexican descent).”

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