NBC Cuts Ties with Donald Trump After Caustic Remarks

LOS ANGELES - NBC Has cancelled the broadcast of the Miss USA Pageant which was set to air on the network on July 12, citing Trump's controversial comments against Mexican immigrants.

"At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values," NBC said in a statement on Monday. "Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump."

Trump told reporters Monday that he had enjoyed a "great" relationship with NBC, but added the he stands behind his comments criticizing illegal immigrants from Mexico.

He told CNN: "If NBC is so weak and so foolish to not understand the serious illegal immigration problem in the United States, coupled with the horrendous and unfair trade deals we are making with Mexico, then their contract violating closure of Miss Universe/Miss USA will be determined in court."

He added: "They will stand behind lying Brian Williams, but won't stand behind people that tell it like it is, as unpleasant as that may be."

The controversy stemmed from comments Trump made at his presidential campaign announcement on June 16. "When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best...They're sending people who have lots of problems," Trump said in the speech. "They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists, and some, I assume, are good people."

The cancellation follows Univision's decision last week to cancel its Spanish-language broadcast of the pageant. Trump said he is suing Univision for $500.