Groupon Stops Ads on ‘Apprentice’ Site After Complaints

Although Groupon isn’t a sponsor of the show, its ads occasionally appear on the related site, said Julie Mossler, a spokeswoman for Chicago-based Groupon.

“Enough consumers contacted us to warrant ensuring that we don’t place ads on ‘The Apprentice’ home page in the future,” Mossler said. “This isn’t a political statement — it’s avoiding intentionally upsetting a segment of our customers.”

Trump had pressed Presidednt Barack Obama to present documents proving he was born in the U.S., joining the ranks of the so-called birther movement, which questions the president’s citizenship. Obama released a copy of his long-form birth certificate this week, decrying the “silliness” of the debate.

Rebecca Marks, a spokeswoman for NBC Entertainment in Los Angeles, didn’t respond to a request for comment. NBC is controlled by Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp. Cathy Hoffman Glosser, a spokeswoman for the Trump Organization in New York, didn’t return a message seeking comment.

Political activist website ThinkProgress yesterday had urged Groupon to withdraw its ads appearing in connection with Trump properties.

Australian Gold LLC, a sun-care products maker based in Indianapolis, is among companies that sponsor “Celebrity Apprentice,” a version of the show that features entertainers vying to remain employed by Trump as they raise money for charity.

The company sponsored a single episode and doesn’t plan further advertising for the show right now, said Martha Miller, a spokeswoman for Australian Gold. She said the plans are unrelated to Trump’s views and that the company hasn’t received complaints about him.

Groupon’s decision to cease running “Apprentice” ads hasn’t stopped it from promoting deals for Trump properties. The site is currently offering a 52 percent discount for a stay at the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.