Emmitt Smith the Latest to Drop Out of Judging Miss USA Pageant Over Donald Trump's Mexico Comments

Retired football star, who's married to a former Miss Virginia USA, says he continues to wish the contestants the best

By Natalie Finn Jul 02, 2015 2:13 AMTags
Emmitt SmithTaylor Hill/Getty Images

The Miss USA pageant is down another judge.

This afternoon Emmitt Smith became the latest to step down in response to derogatory remarks about Mexican immigrants made by Donald Trump, whose Miss Universe Organization also puts on Miss USA.

"In light of Mr. Trump's statements and the subsequent decisions made by NBC, I have decided not to participate as a judge in the 2015 Miss USA pageant," the retired football great and Dancing With Stars champ wrote on Facebook. "Knowing firsthand through my wife, Pat Smith, how much the women prepare for this event, I continue to send my support and best wishes to everyone competing this year."

Pat is a former Miss Virginia USA who was first runner-up at the 1994 Miss USA pageant.

Citing Trump's comments as being at odds with its own values, NBC announced Monday that it was ending its business relationship with the real estate tycoon, meaning he's done hosting any version of The Apprentice for the network and Miss USA will not be airing as planned on July 12. Univision also refused to air the pageant as scheduled and Trump fired back yesterday with a $500 million lawsuit alleging breach of contract against the Spanish-language broadcaster.

Smith was part of the first wave of judges announced for the competition. Cheryl Burke (with whom Smith won DWTS in 2006) has also excused herself from the judging panel and both Roselyn Sanchez and MSNBC's Thomas Roberts stepped down as co-hosts. Flo Rida and J Balvin have dropped out as performers as well.

Behind-the-scenes commentator Jeannie Mai will still be participating, saying today that she doesn't at all condone Trump's statements but she "can't abandon" the contestants.

Also today, Macy's, which had been carrying Trump brand shirts and neckties, also cut, er, ties with him, and he duly stated that pulling the plug was his idea.