Miss USA 2015 News: Zuleyka Rivera Will Not Judge Pageant Because of Donald Trump's Comments
Miss Universe 2006, Zuleyka Rivera, has announced that she will not be participating in the 2014 Miss USA competition, where she was scheduled to be a judge.
The beauty queen, who represented Puerto Rico when she won the Miss Universe competition, made the announcement on her Twitter account.
"With the responsibility and firmness that has always characterized me, I'm announcing that I have canceled my participation as judge at the Miss USA 2015 event," she stated. "As a Latina, I don't agree with the comments made by Mr. Donald Trump referring to our Mexican brothers."
— Zuleyka Rivera (@Zuleyka_Rivera) June 25, 2015
Rivera expressed how she was shocked by the comments not only because of how insensitive and racist they are but also because by winning Miss Universe, she was able to have a close relationship with Trump, reported Variety Latino.
"We all have the same flag in this country, that of Latinos," Rivera said. "I would always be eternally grateful for the grand opportunity that I had of being elected as Miss Universe and represent my island of Puerto Rico around the world. I am very surprised with this situation as I worked a whole year with the Miss Universe Organization and I never suffered any type of discrimination. Nevertheless, today I had to express my feelings about this sad incident that affects all Hispanics."
Rivera's announcement came just right after host Roselyn Sánchez, who made her statement on Instagram, and Cristián de la Fuente said they would no longer be hosting the pageant and reggaeton artist J Balvin canceled his performance for the event.
NBC, which will air the Miss USA pageant, also addressed the situation on Thursday with a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"Donald Trump's opinions do not represent those of NBC, and we do not agree with his positions on a number of issues, including his recent comments on immigration," the network said.
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