Ever since NBC gave Donald Trump the boot, fans of “The Celebrity Apprentice” have been wondering who will take over the show and get to yell “You’re fired!” at contestants. Is comedian George Lopez the answer?
The Mexican-American entertainer is reportedly in talks with NBC to become the reality competition’s new host, according to Page Six. Multiple sources said that discussions between Lopez and the network have been taking place, but are “in a very early stage.”
“There have been initial conversations with George Lopez’s representatives and, given Donald Trump’s crazy comments, George would be the perfect loud response to Trump,” one insider told Page Six. A second source added, “It could be a smart move by NBC to cast George as Trump’s replacement, and it would also bring diversity to the network.”
So far, Lopez's only response to the reports has been the following comment on Twitter:
There's talk about me taking over the apprentice , instead of your fired ? Id say #VelesVerga
— George Lopez (@georgelopez) July 14, 2015
Lopez, 54, has not been seen on television since his 2014 FX comedy series “Saint George” was canceled after only one season. Regarding his opinion of Trump, on July 6 he told members of the press: “There are enough racists in this country for him to get elected…. If he wins, he won’t have to worry about immigration, we’ll all go back!" The avid golfer also stated he will be boycotting Trump’s courses.
Other names being floated around to take over the boss spot on “The Celebrity Apprentice” include businessman/investor Mark Cuban (who currently appears on rival network ABC’s “Shark Tank”), Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson and homemaking guru Martha Stewart (who hosted her own version of the show for NBC in 2005).
One person not vying for the job is “Celebrity Apprentice” Season 14 runner-up Geraldo Rivera. “My personal feeling is Donald Trump is irreplaceable,” he told Page Six. “[It’s] better to cancel the show.”
NBC dumped Trump last month after he made derogatory statements about Mexicans during his June 16 announcement to run for U.S. president, as previously reported by HNGN. “The Celebrity Apprentice” can continue without Trump since it is licensed from show producer Mark Burnett’s United Artists Media Group.
