MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts won’t be hosting the Miss USA pageant, an NBC spokesperson confirmed to TheWrap.
The MSNBC host’s exit from hosting is the latest shot fired in the war between NBC and Donald Trump; his co-host Cheryl Burke bolted a few hours before Roberts.
Roberts hosted the Miss Universe contest in Sochi, Russia in 2013 and the 2014 Miss USA Pageant from Louisiana with Giuliana Rancic.
“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,” said Burke in a statement.
Roberts also tweeted his withdrawal.
Best of luck to all #MissUSA2015 contestants this year & THX to the good people behind the scenes @MissUniverse – been a joy working w/you!
– Thomas Roberts (@ThomasARoberts) June 30, 2015