Donald Trump should not host “Saturday Night Live” next month, America’s largest Latino advocacy organization says.
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is calling on the sketch comedy series to rescind its invitation to the GOP presidential front-runner, according to NBC News.
{mosads}“[This is] a slap in the face,” said Janet Murguia, president and CEO of NCLR, could called it “appalling” that Trump would be invited to host the show.
She said the late-night comedy show was showcasing “a man whose campaign has been built on bigotry and demagoguery for the sake of buzz and ratings.”
NBC announced on Tuesday that Trump is the scheduled host for the Nov. 7 episode of “Saturday Night Live.” Australian pop star Sia is also booked as the show’s musical guest.
Trump’s planned appearance offers him extra visibility before the GOP’s fourth presidential debate in Milwaukee on Nov. 10.
It could also let the outspoken billionaire soften his image by participating in light-hearted comedy routines.
Murguia argued on Thursday that NBC’s booking of Trump is a major mistake given his rhetoric, which she said has offended Hispanics.
“NBC made the right decision last June to sever its ties with Trump over his blatantly anti-Latino campaign announcement,” she said.
“Since then, he has only gotten worse and more divisive, so this change of heart is even more troubling,” Murguia added. “This [is an] ill-advised decision.”
NBC terminated its business relationship with Trump earlier this summer following international outrage over his presidential announcement speech.
“They’re sending people who have a lot of problems,” he said on June 16 from New York City’s Trump Tower.
“They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists,” Trump added of some illegal immigrants. “And some, I assume, are good people.”
Trump has since repeatedly reiterated his sharp criticism of illegal immigrants as part of his talking points, despite backlash from critics.
He told The Hill on Wednesday that it is “an honor” hosting “Saturday Night Live” given he has not done so in more than a decade. He last performed that duty for the show’s April 3, 2004 episode.