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Trump tells "Apprentice" sidekick "you're fired"

Posted on: Thursday, 31 August 2006, 17:08 CDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - She's fired!

Carolyn Kepcher, a Trump organization executive famous for her role as a tough-talking judge on the hit television reality show "The Apprentice," is being replaced on the show by his daughter and is no longer with the company, a Trump representative said on Thursday.

The representative declined further comment, but the New York Post said Donald Trump's TV sidekick was fired after spending too much time cultivating her own celebrity with speaking engagements.

Kepcher had been with the real estate mogul for more than 10 years, most recently serving as chief operating officer of Trump National Golf Club in Westchester, New York, and helping manage another Trump golf club in New Jersey.

In an e-mailed statement from a representative, Kepcher said, "Donald and I had different visions for my future role in the company."

She also said she was grateful for the opportunities she had had with the Trump organization and is confident she is well prepared for future endeavors.

Trump's daughter, Ivanka, will replace Kepcher on NBC's "The Apprentice," and his son, Donald Jr., will replace the show's other judge, George Ross, the Post said.

Trump would confer with Kepcher and Ross each week before deciding which corporate wannabe seeking a full-time job with Trump would have to hear his curt signature phrase, "You're fired!"

Ross, a 78-year-old real estate lawyer, remains with the Trump organization, a Trump spokeswoman said.

As well as cashing in on her Apprentice fame through speaking engagements, Kepcher wrote a book, "Carolyn 101: Business Lessons from The Apprentice's Straight Shooter."

Phone calls to Kepcher's representatives were not immediately returned.

Source: REUTERS

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