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'Apprentice' Contestants Deplore Trump; He Calls Them 'Wannabes'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A winner of "The Apprentice'' and several other former contestants on Donald Trump's reality show are speaking out against the Republican front-runner's presidential campaign.

During a news conference Friday in Manhattan, season four winner Randal Pinkett said he disagrees with Trump's views and the direction of his campaign.

"We are all disappointed and in some ways shocked to see what is being spewed from Donald regarding his views on women, immigrants and the list goes on," Pinkett said. "We strongly condemn Donald's campaign of sexism, xenophobia, racism, violence and hate."

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"I remember a different Mr. Trump over 10 years ago when I first went on the season one of 'Apprentice,'" said runner-up Kwame Jackson. "I almost say that it's been a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transformation."

Tara Dowdell, from season three, feels Trump has transformed himself into something dangerous.

"Donald Trump is validating people's hate and his bigotry in a way that I truly believe has the potential to tear this country apart," Dowdell said.

Trump has criticized the ex-contestants as "failing wannabes," saying nobody would know who they are if it weren't for him.

Marshawn Evans Daniels, from season four, joined the conference via Skype. Season two's Kevin Allen and James Sun from season six did not appear as planned because of logistical issues.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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