Thursday, Mar. 12, 2009

Donald Trump vs. Martha Stewart

The feud: What possibly could set titan of industry against domestic diva? Reality television, of course, although the venom flowed long after the cameras were turned off. This being The Donald, though, he made sure his beatdown got as much attention as possible. After Martha Stewart's version of Trump's Apprentice reality show flopped in 2005, Trump issued an open letter castigating Stewart for the failure. Perhaps his feelings were hurt — Stewart had said previously she thought her series was supposed to kick off with her faux-firing Trump, clearing more space for her in the ratings. The Donald's letter makes crystal clear, however, that no one — no one — fires The Donald.

Chance at reconciliation: Moderate. The initial spat died down quickly, and there's been nary a peep since.

He said/She said:
"It's about time you started taking responsibility for your failed version of The Apprentice. Your performance was terrible in that the show lacked mood, temperament and just about everything else a show needs for success. I knew it would fail as soon as I first saw it — and your low ratings bore me out."
Donald Trump, Feb. 21, 2006

"The letter is so mean-spirited and reckless that I almost can't believe my longtime friend Donald Trump wrote it. I am very proud of the work we did with Mark Burnett Productions and Mr. Trump, who was an executive producer, on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart."
Martha Stewart, Feb. 21, 2006

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