With all the scrutiny surrounding NBC, Donald Trump and Univision, fans completely forgot about the real question: What will happen to the Miss America competition?
The Miss Universe Organization announced in a statement Monday that it will continue to run the Miss USA pageant despite terminating its partnership with both NBC and Univision, which were the two networks that broadcasted the beauty contest.
The pageant will still be held in Baton Rouge, La., on Sunday, July 12. The statement also mentioned that this year's Miss USA pageant will feature women from various backgrounds, four of whom are of "Mexican descent."
"We are disheartened by recent events but the show will go on," the statement read, according to Us Weekly. "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."
The statement continued: "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 12."
Unfortunately, the pageant currently has no television broadcaster.
NBC announced Monday that it would be cutting ties with the Miss Universe Organization, which is co-owned by Trump. The network also announced that it would not be airing the upcoming pageant.
"At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values," said NBC in a statement about ending its partnership with Trump. "Due to the recent derogatory statements by Donald Trump regarding immigrants, NBCUniversal is ending its business relationship with Mr. Trump. To that end, the annual Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants, which are part of a joint venture between NBC and Trump, will no longer air on NBC."
Trump has been receiving negative backlash since announcing his run for presidency earlier this month. During his speech, Trump made insensitive remarks about Mexican immigrants, calling them "rapists" and saying that they are "people that have lots of problems" and bring drugs to the United States.
Last week, Univision, America's largest Spanish-language television broadcaster, released a statement explaining that it is "ending the company's business relationship with the Miss Universe Organization, which is part-owned by Donald J. Trump, based on his recent, insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants."
