A forthcoming book is stirring controversy with its revelations about the behind-the-scenes practices of the reality TV series “The Apprentice,” which featured former President Donald Trump. The book asserts that all participants were required to undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before they could begin filming.
Scheduled for release in 2024, “The Making of The Apprentice,” authored by former producer Bill Pruitt, delves into various production protocols of the show. Detailed excerpts previewed by The Daily yeast highlight that the testing protocol mandated participants to be screened for STDs to prevent any health-related issues during the course of the show.
According to Pruitt, a medical team was stationed in a mobile unit adjacent to the contestant’s accommodations to conduct the necessary tests. It was compulsory for contestants to participate in this health screening, with non-compliance resulting in dismissal from the show.
The narrative in Pruitt’s book also touches upon the concerns among the show’s production staff regarding sexual misconduct. The testing was reportedly a part of broader measures to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all involved. However, these claims remain unsubstantiated as Pruitt provides no concrete evidence to back them up.
There has yet to be an official response from either Trump’s representatives or MGM Television, the production company behind “The Apprentice.”
The revelation about the STD testing requirement has prompted a broad spectrum of reactions on social media, ranging from outrage about privacy violations to support for the precautionary measures taken to safeguard contestant health.
This new revelation is poised to reignite discussions about the cultural significance and ethical considerations of “The Apprentice,” which was a television staple from 2004 until 2015 and played a notable role in Trump’s rise to prominence. As the book’s release date approaches, it is expected to attract significant attention and add a new layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding the show’s impact.