Cheryl Burke Exits Miss USA Following Controversy
The Miss USA beauty pageant show will go without host Cheryl Burke, as the dancer has quit the event following the controversy around Donald Trump. Facebook/CherylBurke

Nobody wants any ties to Donald Trump and a day after NBC announced they had broken any relationship with the Trump and Miss Universe Organization. Despite the beauty pageant not being canceled, talent from the show is quitting left and right. Cheryl Burke made it official that she would not be participating as host following the controversy around Trump's racist remarks. "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," a statement posted on her official Facebook page read. "Effective today I have withdrawn from my duties with Miss USA.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."

Last week, when Univision announced they would not be broadcasting the simulcast in Spanish set to be hosted by Cristián de la Fuente and Roselyn Sánchez, both co-hosts released seperate statements taking a stand and opting out of their hosting duties. "As a LATINA and proud of my roots, culture and everything we have contributed to this nation, I have decided to cancel my participation as co-host of Miss USA," Sánchez posted on Instagram. "I don't tolerate the disrespectful and hurtful words that came out of Mr. Trump's mouth." Cristián de la Fuente, released a video statement on his Facebook account saying: "Mr. Trump, as a Latino I cannot work in an event associated with your name. The statements made against Mexicans, against immigrants, show that you are an ignorant. It is unacceptable for you to launch a presidential campaign based on hatred and discrimination when calling Mexicans drug traffickers and rapists. It’s a shame that such an important institution as MISS USA is now in the hands of a clown.”

Earlier today, the Miss Universe Organization confirmed the event would go on as planned. "The 2015 Miss USA pageant will still take place in Baton Rouge on July 12th," read the statement from the Miss Universe Organization posted on the Miss USA Instagram account. "We are disheartened by recent events but the show will go on. The Miss Universe Organization operates as an independent company. In its 64 year history, and under many owners, Miss Universe has developed into a globally recognized brand, with nearly 150 franchise holders domestically and internationally, the majority of whom are small business owners. While world politics and other influences will undoubtedly play a role, the pageant will always seek to transcend controversy. It is unfortunate that recent events beyond our control have only served to negatively impact the women who participate in the pageant, our state directors, our sponsors and our fans. We want our supporters to know we remain committed to them and we will be conducting the pageant, regardless of the current situation. We are moving forward, full-steam ahead as planned for the next two weeks, culminating in the crowning of a new Miss USA on July 12th. -MUO."

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