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J Balvin Pulls Out of Miss USA Performance After Donald Trump’s Anti-Mexican Comments

J Balvin has pulled out of Miss USA after Donald Trump's comments
J Balvin has pulled out of Miss USA after Donald Trump's comments

J Balvin is making a stand! The brave musician has pulled out of his forthcoming musical appearance on Miss USA in the wake of Donald Trump's controversial rant against immigrants from Mexico and Latin America.

Related: PHOTOS: Miss USA bikini bodies

Balvin, a Colombian, was due to perform at the this year's pageant, airing live on Sunday, July 12. But after discovering that Donald Trump co-owns the Miss Universe Organization, and on hearing the presidential candidates' recent comments about Mexicans and Latins, the musician decided he couldn't go through with his performance and have a clear conscience.

The comments in question came a few minutes into Trump's speech announcing his presidential bid on Tuesday, June 16. "The U.S. has become a dumping ground for everybody else’s problems," the Celebrity Apprentice star said. "When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. 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," he added.

Related: PHOTOS: Stars' pageant pasts

"It’s coming from more than Mexico," he continued. "It’s coming from all over South and Latin America, and it’s coming probably, probably, from the Middle East."

Balvin didn't even hear Trump's speech immediately, but when he did, he was shocked. "Mexico is a Latin powerhouse," the singer told Billboard. "And Mexicans, they're known as hard workers. Here in the U.S., not everybody wants to do those kinds of jobs. I’ve lived. I know what it feels like and what they go through and how families suffer. A comment like that is powerful," he said.

Related: PHOTOS: Miss Universe bikini bodies

"[Miss USA] was going to be my first performance on national [mainstream] television," Balvin continued. "But we’re talking about our roots, our culture, our values. This isn’t about being punitive, but about showing leadership through social responsibility. His comments weren’t just about Mexicans, but about all Latins in general," he added.

"I think music is to have fun. It’s for people to have a good time with. I’m no savior and I’m no Robin Hood," he concluded. "But in this case, I feel totally comfortable and responsible with my decision."

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