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Why a ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ Sponsor Says He’s ‘Disgusted’ and Won’t Be Back to Advertise on the Show

Mar 15, 2012  •  Post A Comment

The CEO of a company that has been an advertiser on Donald Trump’s NBC reality show “Celebrity Apprentice” says, ‘I wouldn’t spend another nickel with them,” TMZ.com reports.

The reason: He’s upset about a hunting trip to Zimbabwe by Trump’s sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, in which they killed a number of animals, including an elephant, a crocodile, a civet cat and a waterbuck, the story reports.

The sponsor is Camping World, which has been airing spots on the show this season. Company CEO Marcus Lemonis responded to seeing photos of the kill from the safari, telling the website: “I am totally disgusted by the [hunting] pics I have seen and was surprised to see them. … Money is spent, but wow, I’m really shocked."

4 Comments

  1. Next up: Camping World reports a huge drop in sales as every hunter that shops with them takes their business elsewhere.

  2. Certainly, Camping World, has the right to withdraw their advertising support from Celebrity Apprentice but it is my understanding that all of these animals were hunted and killed legally and in accordance with all laws.
    So, will Camping World pull all advertising here in the US or elsewhere, off of shows, when stars of other shows hunt deer, elk, pheasants, etc. that are obtained legally in the USA?
    Seems like someone who has a business called Camping World would be a little more tolerate of legal hunting?

  3. Bill – I don’t think so. For one, there are not enough viewers for that ridiculous show to have a big enough impact on any advertiser’s bottom line. Second, I’m sure Camping World’s total business does not rely soley on hunters. And third, I’m sure the Trump boys were not “hunting” in the true sense of the sport anyway – more like rich jerks pay lots of money to shoot animals without needing or having any skill. I’m sure there are plenty of customers who understand Camping World’s decision to pull out and go elsewhere and I don’t think this decision will cost them anything. What are they doing advertising in CA anyway – who on earth told them them that was smart marketing? Couldn’t have been anyone with reliable research.

  4. Mr. Lemonis should realize that the majority of people who are customers of Camping World are also outdoor enthusiasts, fishermen, hunters, etc. Please email Mr. Lemonis and tell him you will no longer support Camping World.
    mlemonis@campingworld.com

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