Donald Trump Doesn't Own Miss Universe, Sold Pageant To WME/IMG

• comments
• 
• 

Miss Universe has always been about finding the most beautiful and intelligent woman in the world. It is where each candidate from different countries showcases their beauty through lavish designer gowns and revealing swimwear. However, the former owner of the Miss Universe Organization, Donald Trump, failed to realize the diversity of the people involved and made a political statement that were not considered appropriate by many.

According to a report by Daily News, because of Trump's stand on immigration that were clearly directed towards the Hispanic community, NBC network, which has been the pageant's long-time partner, decided to cancel their coverage on all events that is related to the Miss Universe Organization.

The deal between Trump and NBC started nearly 12 years ago when the network agreed to air his pageants. However, his remarks towards Latino immigrants during the start of his presidential campaign soured the relationship. The network completely cut all ties from Trump after they decided to boot the presidential aspirant from the TV show "The Celebrity Apprentice."

Meanwhile, in a statement released by Trump after the network's decision, he made sure his message of disagreement will be heard.

"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," Trump stated in an earlier report relayed by ET Online.

When it was already clear to Trump that NBC were no longer interested of any negotiations between him and the network with regard to the Miss World Organization, the New York-based billionaire decided to sell his stake to WME/IMG.

A talent agency formerly known as William Morris Agency is a Hollywood giant that represents talents from all media platforms. The deal, which financial terms were not disclosed, includes an agreement to air the Miss Universe pageant on Fox.

In his statement, Trump stated that IMG will certainly do a good job of getting the organization to another level. He said that he enjoyed his time with the Miss Universe Organization.

"When I purchased the pageants many years ago, they were in serious trouble. It has been a great honor making them so successful," the republican presidential aspirant said. He added that "the pageants are now in the hands of a great company that will shepherd them to even greater levels of success."