Arnold Schwarzenegger is apparently not returning to âCelebrity Apprenticeâ as host, according to a recent report from Empire magazine. He cited President Donald Trumpâs involvement with the project as the reason.
âI learned a lot, I had a great time, it was a really great opportunity,â Schwarzenegger told the publication. âBut under the circumstances I donât want to do it again.â
The actor and former governor said the decision had nothing do with the show, but rather the people who came up to him and said they wouldnât watch because of Trump.
âEveryone I ran into came up to me and said âI love the show ... but I turned it off because as soon as I read Trumpâs name, Iâm outta there!ââ
As of Jan. 3, Donald Trump was still involved with the show in part as an executive producer.
Schwarzenegger also said that âeven if asked [to do it again]â he would decline, emphasizing the finality of his exit.
âWith Trump being involved in the show people have a bad taste and donât want to participate as a spectator or as a sponsor or in any other way support the show. Itâs a very divisive period now and I think this show got caught up in all that division.â
Just a month earlier, President Trump asked attendees of the National Prayer Breakfast to pray for Schwarzenegger and the show, claiming ratings âwent down the tubesâ after Arnold took up the hosting gig. Schwarzenegger quickly fired back on social media, suggesting they try switching jobs.
Perhaps now with his free time, Schwarzenegger can consider the recent news that one-third of Americans do want him to switch roles with Trump.
We have reached out to NBC for a statement and will update this piece accordingly.
H/T Empire