Fox News denied Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump’s claim that the network had lost advertisers for its GOP debate as a result of him refusing to participate in the Thursday night event.
Fox said in a statement on Thursday that the debate was “sold out,” according to a statement first reported by CNN.
Trump tweeted Wednesday evening that the network’s ad rates were “falling like a rock.” He vowed to not participate in the debate after Fox released a scathing statement in response to his concerns about moderator Megyn Kelly not treating him fairly.
FOX debate advertising rates falling like a rock! Tune into my special event for the Veterans at 9pm EST!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 28, 2016
But Fox shot down Trump’s claim in a statement.
“The debate is completely sold out,” according to a network spokesperson. “No rates have changed and there are no advertisers who have backed out. Prices don’t change once the orders have been placed.”