ESPN moves celebrity golf classic from Trump National Golf Club
ESPN announced on Monday that it is moving its ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic from Trump National Golf Club to Pelican Hill Golf Club in Greater Los Angeles.
The decision to move the event comes after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made controversial comments about immigration last month during his campaign announcement speech. In his remarks, Trump claimed that Mexico sends people who have "lots of problems."
"They're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime. They're rapists," Trump said during his presidential launch. "And some, I assume, are good people."
A number of companies have cut ties with Trump since he made the comments, including NBC Universal, Univision and Macy’s. Trump later sued Univision for $500 million for canceling the airing of Miss USA.
ESPN's statement can be read below.
“We decided it was appropriate to change the venue, and are grateful for the opportunity to stage the event at Pelican Hill on short notice. This charity outing benefits The V Foundation’s Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, providing resources for important cancer research for minority populations, including Hispanics and African Americans. Our decision reflects our deep feelings for our former colleague and support for inclusion of all sports fans. Diversity and inclusion are core values at ESPN and our decision also supports that commitment.”
• Donald Trump deserted by partners as immigrant furor grows
This year's ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic will be held on July 14.
- Molly Geary
