Mexico Boycotts Miss Universe Over Trump Slur

Mexico will not send a contestant to the Miss Universe contest after Donald Trump made controversial remarks about the country's migrants.

The US tycoon and presidential hopeful, who part owns the beauty pageant, sparked criticism after he referred to them as drug-runners and rapists.

Lupita Jones, the director of Mexico's national beauty pageant, said she was offended and angry "like everyone else" with the businessman and a Mexican candidate would not be going to the competition.

Ms Jones said Mr Trump damaged the Miss Universe pageant and its tradition of bringing together countries for an event that showcases "friendship, unity and breaking down cultural barriers".

Her comments come a day after US network NBC and Mexican media giant Televisa severed business ties with Trump.

It means the Miss Universe and Miss USA beauty pageants - for which Mr Trump owns the broadcast rights - will not be aired on NBC.

And the 69-year-old property developer turned TV star will no longer appear in the NBC reality show The Apprentice.

Spanish-language Univision, part-owned by Televisa, also said it would not air the Miss USA pageant on 12 July and also severed ties to the Miss Universe Organisation.

Mr Trump made the comments last week as he announced his run for the Republican presidential nomination.

Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton called his remarks inflammatory.

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in the United States, and the majority of US Hispanics are of Mexican descent.

In a 45-minute speech, Mr Trump said: "When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best."

He added: "They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us.

"They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."