Former 'Apprentice' Contestant Alleges Trump Made Inappropriate And Racist Comments On Show: Report

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, new allegations have reportedly emerged about Donald Trump‘s behavior on “The Apprentice,” the reality TV show he hosted from 2004 to 2015.

What Happened: Gene Folkes, a former contestant, recounted an incident where Trump made inappropriate comments towards him and a Black crew member. Folkes reportedly said Trump accused him of illiteracy and called him inarticulate during a boardroom tirade, the Associated Press reported on Friday.

Former producer Bill Pruitt has also alleged that Trump used a racial slur to refer to Kwame Jackson, a Black finalist on the show’s first season.

According to the report, Trump has denied all allegations, calling former contestants criticizing him “failing wannabes.” The accusations come as Trump seeks to gain support from African American voters in his third run for the White House.

NBC and Trump’s campaign have not responded to the queries sent by Benzinga.

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Why It Matters: The allegations against Trump come at a critical time as he attempts to gain traction among African American voters. Earlier this year, Trump said that his criminal indictments and mug shot could resonate with Black voters, suggesting they might relate to his legal troubles due to their own experiences with discrimination.

However, these comments were met with backlash. The White House condemned Trump’s remarks as “repugnant” and “divisive,” arguing that they perpetuated harmful stereotypes about Black Americans.

Additionally, Trump’s recent pledge to combat what he describes as “anti-white sentiment” has sparked debate over policies promoting racial diversity and equity. This stance has been criticized for potentially undermining efforts to address systemic racism.

Moreover, a new biopic about Trump, “The Apprentice,” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, adding to the controversy surrounding the former president. The film’s director has faced criticism and potential legal threats from Trump but remains undeterred.

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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari