From The Charlotte Observer:
Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth is one of the most well-known of the 16 candidates who competed on “The Apprentice” because of her role as the show’s villain.
Many fans have blamed her for the defeat of Kwame Jackson in the show’s final task. As a member of Jackson’s team she bungled nearly every assignment and was caught lying about them on camera. Donald Trump, in explaining his decision to hire Chicago entrepreneur Bill Rancic over Jackson, faulted Jackson for failing to fire her.
In a conversation at the show’s after party at Trump Tower, Manigault-Stallworth gave her thoughts on Jackson and her performance.
Q. What’s your opinion of Jackson as a businessman?
Kwame has a very unique style. He’s very theoretical, and he likes to apply different business methodologies to his approach.
Q. What was Jackson like to work with?
I came from Washington, D.C., where everybody is intense. So I’m used to intense personalities, intense approaches to getting things done. And Kwame was very laid back. Everyone wants to put that on my shoulders, like `Omarosa, you caused Kwame to lose.’ I think you need to look at Kwame’s track record. He had a losing track record. He won maybe two (tasks during the show’s run), but the rest he lost. So I can’t take responsibility for his entire performance.
Q. Do you think he should have come down on you, the way Trump said?
I think the reason (Jackson) didn’t come down on me is because he knew there was something bigger going on, bigger than us. It’s not easy to walk in and plan a concert in two days like we did.
Q. Do you think you would have behaved differently under different management?
Probably. I’m used to different types of managers. And his management style is a little more unique than I’m used to. But I think he did a great job. He’s a fantastic person. And we’re close friends. I respect him as a businessman, and I think he also respects me as a businesswoman.
Q. Do you have any regrets, especially from that last task?
My biggest regret came from something Mr. Trump said to me on the “Oprah” show. He said, `Omarosa, you’ve got to learn to be more diplomatic.’ I wish I had been more diplomatic throughout the process. You know what? I’m young. I still have a chance to incorporate that into my professional life.