Miss Universe, Miss USA Pageant 'Show Must Go On' Without Donald Trump or NBC

Miss Universe and Miss USA organizers have released their statement after NBC Universal canceled their broadcast over Donald Trump’s controversial statements slamming Mexican immigrants.

PHOTO CR: CNN

The controversy over Trump’s describing of some immigrants as “rapists” and “drug-dealers” came to a head last week when Univision canceled its plans to air Miss USA and all future events produced by the Miss Universe Organization.

The Miss Universe Org said in a statement the organization is “built on a foundation of inclusion” and they are “disheartened” by the recent change of events.

Part of the statement, it said:

“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.”

The organization faced another misfortune when Dancing With The Star dancer Cheryl Burke dropped out as a co-host of the pageant. The other co-host, MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts, had also withdrawn from hosting duties.

“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,” Burke wrote on Facebook. “Effective today I have withdrawn from my duties with Miss USA.”

Roberts also confirmed his exit via Twitter on Tuesday: “Best of luck to all #MissUSA2015 contestants this year & THX to the good people behind the scenes @MissUniverse – been a joy working w/you!”