Billy Bush has been suspended from the “Today” show following the release of tapes having lewd conversations with Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Here is the note that just went out to the show’s staff from the executive producer of the “Today” show, Noah Oppenheim.
From: Oppenheim, Noah
Dear TODAY,
I know we’ve all been deeply troubled by the revelations of the past 48 hours.
Let me be clear — there is simply no excuse for Billy’s language and behavior on that tape. NBC has decided to suspend Billy, pending further review of this matter.
If any of you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me directly, anytime day or night.
Best,
Noah
The Washington Post published a video tape of Trump on a hot mic boasting about kissing, groping and having sex with women, saying that “when you’re a star, they let you do anything … I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything,” he said. “Grab ’em by the p–y.”
The revelation has thrown the presidential election into further turmoil, with Republican leaders – many of them in intense election races – withdrawing support for the billionaire candidate.
Bush is heard throughout the tape agreeing with Trump and even egging him on.
Bush came forward to immediately apologize on Friday after the tape was leaked, saying he was “embarrassed and ashamed” of his behavior.
NBC News executives have been debating internally how to respond to the role their “Today” show anchor played in the conversation, which offended people across the country. While at first it seemed that Bush was going to appear on the show on Monday to apologize, by Sunday evening NBC had decided that he would not go on the show, and then issued the suspension.
There is no immediate information about how long the suspension may last, or whether Bush’s future at the show is in serious jeopardy. He was being groomed as a potential successor to Matt Lauer.