But the gesture was likely an empty one, considering that earlier in the padded three-hour finale, Duke proclaimed "This woman needs to die" about Rivers, while the comedienne questioned whether poker champ Duke had ties to the Mafia.
Celebrity Apprentice' Photos
Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers attend "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. "The Celebrity Apprentice" Season Finale American Museum of Natural History New York, NY United States May 10, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (57410489), contact WireImage.com
Jim Spellman/WireImage.com
Donald Trump and Melania Trump attend "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. "The Celebrity Apprentice" Season Finale American Museum of Natural History New York, NY United States May 10, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (57410526), contact WireImage.com
Jim Spellman/WireImage.com
Melania Trump attends "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. "The Celebrity Apprentice" Season Finale American Museum of Natural History New York, NY United States May 10, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (57410509), contact WireImage.com
Jim Spellman/WireImage.com
Joan Rivers attends "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. "The Celebrity Apprentice" Season Finale American Museum of Natural History New York, NY United States May 10, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (57410503), contact WireImage.com
Jim Spellman/WireImage.com
Donald Trump and Melania Trump attend "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. "The Celebrity Apprentice" Season Finale American Museum of Natural History New York, NY United States May 10, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (57410523), contact WireImage.com
Jim Spellman/WireImage.com
Donald Trump and Joan Rivers attend "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. "The Celebrity Apprentice" Season Finale American Museum of Natural History New York, NY United States May 10, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (57410502), contact WireImage.com
Jim Spellman/WireImage.com
Joan Rivers and Melissa Rivers attend "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. "The Celebrity Apprentice" Season Finale American Museum of Natural History New York, NY United States May 10, 2009 Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com To license this image (57410488), contact WireImage.com
Jim Spellman/WireImage.com
NEW YORK - MAY 10: Dennis Rodman attends "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the at American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dennis Rodman
Getty Images
NEW YORK - MAY 10: Clint Black attends "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the at American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Clint Black
Getty Images
NEW YORK - MAY 10: Jill Zarin attends "The Celebrity Apprentice" season finale at the at American Museum of Natural History on May 10, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jill Zarin
Getty Images
Still, the biggest question surrounding last night's season wrap-up: How did Rivers win, when she raised $150,830 for her charity -- God's Love We Deliver -- while Duke raised a much heftier $465,725 for Refugees International?
Trump gave little explanation for his decision, though the live New York City finale crowd may have played a part, often cheering for Rivers when she spewed venom at Duke, and booing the poker player when she insulted Rivers.
"Your level of strength, your level of energy have just been amazing. You really are a role model for so many people," Trump said about the 75-year-old Rivers, before announcing, "Annie, you're fired. Joan, congratulations."
Celebrity Feuds
Kiefer Sutherland allegedly headbutted Jack McCollough at an after party for the Met Costume Gala because the fashion designed reportedly pushed Brooke Shields over. However, Shields denies that McCollough did anything wrong.
Reader Comments (343)
whodatgrl at 1:33PM on May 11th 2009
Joan Rivers a role model??? Are you kidding me??? I will never watch this show again! It was so rigged and to allow Joan to spew such garbage on anyone in a boardroom or meeting of any kind would get her fired so fast anywhere. She is a old bitter nasty bitty and needs to go to therapy with her crazy daughter Melissa, then head to the nearest retirement home. I certainly have heard enough of her to last me a lifetime.
rupptlc at 2:17PM on May 11th 2009
If you would have listened to the explanation last night on why Joan won you would not ask why? They had 5 criterias to do on the final task and Joan won 3 of them and Annie only two. It did not matter who brought in the most money , that was only part of it.
Helen at 2:22PM on May 11th 2009
GOOD FOR JOAN! Cunning and wisdom wins over arrogance of youth every time! WOO HOO
rosalind h at 3:59PM on May 11th 2009
To even consider Joan rivers as a role model for anyone is ridiculous. Look at her own daughter and how she acted out. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. This is some indication of what Donald Trump is all about if he runs his own board room like the one on live television. Joan Rivers couldn't even be a legitimate project manager; but, ridiculed everyone else. Even her own team mates. I think Ms, Duke should be thanking God she doesn't have to put up with it anymore. After all it's a reality show! duh!
jim at 2:39PM on May 11th 2009
Donald Trump has about as much class as Joan Rivers. They both deserve to be off the public airwaves.. Annie Duke has more class in her pinkie than either Joan or the rich guy. I will never watch any of his productions again. What a sham. What a shame. What an childish production with the winner from hell. God you make me sick!! what a witch, Joan and what an @#$% Donald.
wendyd at 2:44PM on May 11th 2009
Trump owes Joan Rivers bigtime. She kept the ratings up on this show which has already seen a few seasons. She may be a drama queen, but she certainly gets the job done. Her final event may not have raised as much money but it looked and felt like a 'fun' event where various types of people could mingle. It also left a feeling that we ALL can contibute..not just those of us with lots of money to give. And "Bravo" to a person who puts family first.
Becca at 2:40PM on May 11th 2009
I'm with you and I'll never watch this show again. Joan Rivers acted absolutely ridiculous and should never have been allowed to return after she so immaturely huffed off the set spewing hatred because her precious daughter was fired. I will never look at Joan Rivers the same way again after her shocking behavior. I didn't know Annie before this show...but she was professional and absolutely gracious - and put up with so much crap. Give my daughters a role model like Annie and Brandye any day!! Shame on you Donald Trump!!
Jan Wodehouse at 2:56PM on May 11th 2009
I am 75 and Joan Rivers is no role model. Annie did not lie and kept her cool throughout the whole show. Joan and her daughter are disgusting. She must have a friendship with Dumb Trump...he had her on for ratings and she performed and kept people watching through her nastiness. I mean she quit at one point...and I thought Donald hated quitters. Joan Rivers is a bitter, plastic old lady. I would never want her working for me.
whodatgrl at 2:50PM on May 11th 2009
Another reason Joan won and this show is rigged. Trump's brother in law is on the board for Joan's charity, and the show's producer just signed Joan for her own reality show. It was inked during the show taping. Just gives me another reason to turn off NBC. Their news is corrupt and they can't even do a tv show without corruption.
Jan Wodehouse at 3:00PM on May 11th 2009
I am 75, and Joan Rivers is no role model. She just outshouts everyone...a blowhard...foul mouthed bitter,plastic old lady. Her daughter has ridden on her mothers coattails..with no talent. Annie did not lie...and never called Joan names throughout until the end when Joan caused her to lose her event person. I am sure Trump hired her for ratings and he got what he wanted through her tirades. She quit and even though he has said he hates quitters...he let her come back...what a farce...shame on you Trump.