Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Billy Bush suspended from 'Today' show following Donald Trump leak

NBC announced his suspension on Sunday

Justin Carissimo
New York
Sunday 09 October 2016 20:47 EDT
Donald Trump caught on tape talking about sexually assaulting women: "Grab 'em by the pussy"

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Billy Bush has been suspended indefinitely by NBC on Sunday following the leak of his 2005 conversation with Donald Trump in which they make sexually crude comments about women.

Noah Oppenheim, executive producer of Noah Oppenheim, wrote a memo to his staff on Sunday saying that there is no excuse for his anchor’s behavior and that he’s been suspended pending review.

“I know we’ve all been deeply troubled by the revelations of the past 48 hours,” the memo began. “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."

Mr Bush hosts the third hour of the Today show and is the former host of Access Hollywood.

On Friday, The Washington Post published damning footage of Bush and Trump that was recorded on a hot mic. Mr Trump can be heard 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****.”

Bush can be heard throughout the footage agreeing and encouraging with Mr Trump. He previously apologized on Friday when the footage resurfaced.

“Obviously I’m embarrassed and ashamed,” he said in a statement. “It’s no excuse, but this happened eleven years ago – I was younger, less mature, and acted foolishly in playing along. I’m very sorry.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in