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 Univision said last week it would not air the July 12 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.
The 19-page lawsuit accuses Univision of a "thinly veiled
attempt" to stifle Trump's freedom of speech in order to boost
Democratic frontrunner 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.
"They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're
rapists, and some I assume are good people, but I speak to
border guards and they tell us what we are getting," he said at
the time.
In a statement on Tuesday announcing the lawsuit, which he had
vowed to file, Trump refused to back down from his comments.
"Nothing that I stated was different from what I have been
saying for many years," he said. "There is a high level of crime
occurring in this country due to unchecked illegal immigration."
Nevertheless, he added that he has "great respect for Mexico and
love for the Mexican people and their tremendous spirit."
In a statement, Univision said it reviewed Trump’s complaint,
and it is "both factually false and legally ridiculous."
Univision said it would vigorously defend itself.
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The company said it "will continue to fight against Trump’s ongoing
efforts to run away from the derogatory comments he made on June
16th about Mexican immigrants," according to the statement.
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 <CMCSA.O>,
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.
(Reporting by Joseph Ax in New York; Additional reporting by Eric
Beech in Washington and Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Peter
Cooney and Alan Crosby)
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