The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Monday urged NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” to disinvite 2016 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump from hosting this weekend’s show because of remarks he’s made about Mexicans and immigrants.
In a statement of opposition, the 26-member caucus said NBCUniversal, Broadway Video, and SNL Executive Director Lorne Michaels should dump Trump from Saturday’s show because “racism is not funny.”
The caucus noted Trump has said that “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best…They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems to us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists…”
Trump’s remarks prompted businesses like Macy’s and people like celebrity chef Jose Andres to cut ties with the wealthy real estate mogul. NBC ditched Trump as host of the “Celebrity Apprentice,” replacing him with former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Spanish-language network Univsion decided to no longer air the “Miss USA” beauty pageant, a Trump property, after his remarks.
“Mr. Trump’s racist remarks and continued rhetoric demonizing Latinos and immigrants has created fear within these communities around the country, many of which are represented in Congress by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus,” the group’s statement said.
In perhaps a warning shot, the caucus’ statement adds that the group “received assurances from Comcast, owner of NBCUniversal. During its intended merger with Time Warner that both Comcast and NBCUniversal were committed to both Latinos and diversity.”
William Douglas: 202-383-6026, @williamgdouglas