NBC dismisses report which says the network pays $160 million to the Chairman of The Trump Organization and co-producer Mark Burnett, calling it 'grossly inaccurate'.
- June 23, 2011
AceShowbiz -
Donald Trump does earn a lot every year, but he may not add as much as $65 million annually to his account for starring on and producing "The Celebrity Apprentice". NBC has denied report which says it pays the businessman and co-producer Mark Burnett $160 million for two more years of the reality show with Trump personally pocketing almost one-third of it a year.
"The financial information reported today in regards to 'The Celebrity Apprentice' is grossly inaccurate and has been significantly overstated," the network clarifies in a statement. "While it is our policy to keep financial information strictly confidential, neither the production costs of the show nor what Mr. Trump makes personally is in the realm of reality."
Bringing the news to the surface was The New York Post which said Trump gets a substantial increase on his previous deal. The site additionally claims the huge pay raise makes him "the highest-paid reality-TV star, eclipsing the 'American Idol' judges and the Kardashian clan."
Donald Trump recently gave a scare that he might not return to "Celebrity Apprentice" to run for presidential office. He, however, later announced that he forgo his political ambitions because business is his "greatest passion" and he was "not ready to leave the private sector."
The show wrapped its fourth season with a finale which was down 15 percent from last year. Staying optimist on the future of the series, NBC states, "Donald Trump and 'The Apprentice' franchise remain a key part of the NBC primetime lineup and we are looking forward to another compelling cycle next season."
