Billy Bush leaving the Today Show effective immediately

In the wake of his "caught on tape" conversation with Donald Trump

Billy Bush leaving The Today Show

Billy Bush Leaving TODAY Show, Effective Immediately
by NBC NEWS

Billy Bush, a host on NBC's "TODAY," is leaving the show effective Monday, according to an internal memo sent to staff by Senior Vice President Noah Oppenheim, who oversees the broadcast.

Bush had come under fire for his involvement in a 2005 "Access Hollywood" videotape with Donald Trump that sparked backlash against the Republican presidential nominee. On the tape, Trump is heard boasting in lewd terms about a failed attempt to seduce a married woman and talks about kissing and groping women without heir consent, saying "when you're a star, they let you do it."

Image: Billy Bush
Billy Bush in New York in June 2015. Mark Von Holden / Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP
Bush, then an anchor for the entertainment show, is heard on the tape laughing and joking along with Trump.

In his memo Monday, Oppenheim wrote of Bush: "While he was a new member of the TODAY team, he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family. We wish him success as he goes forward."

Bush apologized in a personal statement after the video surfaced, saying that he was "embarrassed and ashamed" and that although the incident happened 11 years ago, "that's no excuse."

He released another statement Monday night after news of his exit broke, saying: "I am deeply grateful for the conversations I've had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues. I look forward to what lies ahead."

"Access Hollywood" is owned and distributed by NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News and MSNBC.

Message edited 10/17/2016 9:31:25 PM.

Re: Billy Bush leaving the Today Show effective immediately

He did not endear himself to the staff and was fighting with AL according to every article I read about the topic. I wonder how many millions they paid to make him go away. Snl suggested it was 10 million.

Billy Bush leaving the Today Show effective immediately

Good. Hate him. Have always found him to be that annoying person who would do/say anything to get people to like him.

Re: Billy Bush leaving the Today Show effective immediately

Good. Not even because of what happened but because I think he's an EPIC douche and I cannot even stand the sight of his smug a$$ face. Good riddance!!