Donald Trump is sounding off on Joan Rivers’ death, telling Access Hollywood he believes the doctors involved “did a terrible job.”
“I saw her a week before she died and I said to somebody, ‘Look at her… the energy and enthusiasm she has,'” Trump told Access on Tuesday, following the cast announcement of the latest “Celebrity Apprentice,” which the late comedy legend won in 2009.
Trump was very vocal about his thoughts on the death of the comedian, who will be seen as a guest judge in two upcoming episodes of the NBC reality competition, which were taped prior to her death.
PHOTOS: Joan Rivers Over The Years
“It would just seem to me the doctors did a terrible job. One week before she was phenomenal. I was with her and then all of a sudden she is gone,” she told Access. “I think the doctors made a terrible mistake.”
As previously reported on Access, the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office found that Rivers’ September death resulted from low blood oxygen during a medical procedure.
When asked if he considered editing out Rivers’ involvement in the show following her death, Trump told Access he believes Joan would be happy to be included.
WATCH: Access’ Pays Tribute To Joan Rivers
“Some people thought maybe should we take her out. We decided to do in memoriam because she was so incredible for the two episodes and it would be almost unfair to take her out,” he told Access. “I think she would be very happy as she looks down and says, ‘Good. I’m glad they left me in.’ I think it is paying great respect to having Joan on.”
The “Celebrity Apprentice” two-night premiere starts Jan. 4 at 9 PM and on Jan. 5 at 8 PM on NBC.
— Jesse Spero
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