Billionaire Mark Cuban issues apology after saying Trump is 'intimidated by strong women'

Billionaire businessman and "Shark Tank" investor Mark Cuban issued an apology and explanation after his comments about former President Donald Trump received backlash.

During an appearance on Thursday’s episode of “The View,” Cuban criticised Trump for not having “strong, intelligent women” in his close circle, speculating that this may be why Trump hasn’t been seen with Nikki Haley, the former governor who once opposed Trump in the primaries but later supported him.

“Donald Trump, you never see him around strong, intelligent women, ever. It’s just that simple. They’re intimidating to him. He doesn’t like to be challenged by them,” said Cuban, who has been supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic opponent for the 2024 presidential election.

He added, “Nikki Haley will call him on his nonsense with reproductive rights and how he sees and treats and talks about women. I mean, he just can’t have her around. It wouldn’t work,” during the ABC interview.

After facing backlash, Cuban took to X, saying, “When I said this during the interview, I didn't get it out exactly the way I thought I did. So I apologize to anyone who felt slighted or upset by my response. As I said, it wasn't about trump voters, supporters or employees. Current or former.”

Cuban continued, “And, I set myself up for the 6 sec soundbite. No excuses. Can't nail every interview. My skin is thick enough. What bothers me though is that so many of the comments or media, in support of, or against me, has some level of insult attached to it. Not just here. But everywhere.”

He concluded, “I'm not blaming anyone. We are where we are. Here is hoping that changes at least a little bit in a week. In the spirit of joy... I have to add that all the AI memes of me with the long hair crack me up. So there is a positive!”

Shortly after Cuban’s comments circulated, Trump responded on X, calling Cuban “a really dumb guy, who thinks he’s ‘hot stuff’ but he’s absolutely nothing.”

Trump defended himself by stating, “Actually, he is very wrong, I surround myself with the strongest of women - With the understanding that ALL women are great, whether strong or not strong.” Trump then went on to call Cuban “such a fool” and “a very insecure guy, and a MAJOR LOSER, always has been and always will be!”

(With inputs from agencies)