Arnold Schwarzenegger has made no secret of his distaste for Donald Trump and the feeling, it seems, is mutual.

The sitting US President used a number of political events - including the National Prayer Breakfast - to throw jibes at Schwarzenegger and the failing fortunes of the show he once hosted, but it now seems as though Schwarzenegger has had enough.

In an interview with Empire Magazine, Schwarzenegger confirmed rumours that he is to exit the show at the end of this season - and cited Donald Trump himself as the reason why the show is failing. "It's not about the show," Schwarzenegger explained. "because everyone I ran into came up to me and said 'I love the show... but I turned it off because as soon as I read Trump's name I'm outta there!'"

Schwarzenegger took over the show once Trump was confirmed as the Republican nominee for US President and the subsequent victor in the election. However, Trump is still listed as an executive producer on the show and Schwarzenegger believes it's had an effect on the show's performance. "With Trump being involved in the show people have a bad taste and don't want to participate as a spectator or as a sponsor or in any other way support the show. It's a very divisive period now and I think this show got caught up in all that division."

"When people found out that Trump was still involved as executive producer and was still receiving money from the show, then half the people (started) boycotting it."

According to a report by TheWrap.com, the show lost close to half its sponsors over the #grabyourwallet boycott of the show and its ratings have plummeted through the floor - all due in part of Trump's involvement in the show. Schwarzenegger also stated that, even if he were asked to do the show again, he wouldn't.

I learned a lot, I had a great time, it was a really great opportunity... But under the circumstances I don't want to do it again."

 

Via Empire