When the reality show "The Apprentice" premiered in January 2004, Donald Trump wasn't a major figure in U.S. politics even though he had run for president as a Reform Party candidate in 2000. But "The Apprentice" was a major hit, making the New York City real estate developer the most famous reality TV star of all time.
Trump's use of the phrase "You're fired" on the show became famous in pop culture during the George W. Bush years. But it was a phrase that "The Apprentice's" successful contestants avoided hearing.
In a lengthy article published by Slate on May 30, veteran television producer Bill Pruitt vividly recalls Trump's actions on "The Apprentice" back in the 2000s — including, Pruitt alleges, his use of a racial slur during a conversation involving contestant Omarosa Manigault Newman.
READ MORE: 'Mother Theresa could not beat these charges': Trump not confident about jury deliberations
The producer previously, in 2016 and 2017, alleged that Trump used slurs against Blacks, Jews and others during his years on "The Apprentice."
The Trump associates Pruitt mentions in his piece include attorney George Ross, Carolyn Kepcher (who was running his hospitality units) and the show's Jay Bienstock.
Trump, according to Pruitt, asked Bienstock why Newman hadn't been fired — and Bienstock told him that firing people was his job.
Trump, Pruitt writes, went on to say, "Yeah, but, I mean, would America buy a n***** winning?"
READ MORE:'Hangable offense': MAGA fans inspired by Trump’s 'rhetoric' call for judges to be 'executed'
Pruitt alleges, "Kepcher's pale skin goes bright red. I turn my gaze toward Trump. He continues to wince. He is serious, and he is adamant about not hiring (contestant Kwame) Jackson."
The producer adds, "Bienstock does a half cough, half laugh, and swiftly changes the topic or throws to Ross for his assessment.
READ MORE:Trump melts down in lengthy statement about Judge Merchan hours before closing arguments
Read Bill Pruitt's full article for Slate at this link.
