Donald Trump sues TV network for dropping his show

U.S. presidential candidate and real estate mogul Donald Trump filed a USD500 million lawsuit on Tuesday against Univision over the Spanish-language TV network’s decision to end its contract to broadcast the Miss USA pageant, which is co-owned by Trump.

“I have a contract with Univision and the contract is a binding contract. It does not have termination rights,” Trump told supporters and members of the press in New Hampshire.

Univision said last week it would not air the July 12th pageant because of what it called insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants made by Trump when he announced he was running for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

Documents available online show the Supreme Court of New York’s summoning documents in which Miss Universe L.P., and LLLP and Donald J. Trump both individually and derivatively on behalf of Miss Universe L.P., LLLP’ as plaintiffs against ‘Univision networks and Studios INC Alberto Ciurana, individually,’ as defendants.

The 19-page lawsuit accuses Univision of a ‘thinly veiled attempt’ to stifle Trump’s freedom of speech in order to boost Democratic front-runner Hilary Clinton. The network’s principal owner, Haim Saban, is a Clinton fundraiser, according to the lawsuit.

While officially announcing his candidacy on June 16, Trump accused Mexico of sending rapists and other criminals to the United States.

Speaking in New Hampshire, Trump defended his previous comments. “The border is a disaster but it’s not only the border and it’s not Mexico, people are coming from all over the world through that border.” “I love the Mexican people and I love Mexico, I’ve always had a great relationship with Mexico,” Trump added.

Last week, the network said it would not air the pageant and would sever ties with the Miss Universe Organization, which had been a joint venture between Trump and Comcast-owned NBCUniversal, in light of his ‘recent, insulting remarks about Mexican immigrants.’

NBC also cut ties with the “Miss USA” and “Miss Universe” pageants on Monday, citing Trump’s comments. Trump previously said he would not take part in his NBC reality television show, “The Apprentice,” while he sought the White House.

Trump is considered a long shot to get the Republican nomination despite his name recognition.