The former Access Hollywood anchor is reportedly leaving NBC News after he was exposed having a lewd chat about women with Donald Trump.
- Oct 12, 2016
AceShowbiz - Billy Bush is expected to part ways with NBC News after a leaked tape showed him having a lewd conversation about women with GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the anchor is now negotiating his exit from NBC.
Bush joined "Today" show full-time in September. He was recently suspended after being caught on Access Hollywood's hot mic playing along when Trump bragged about grabbing women "by the p***y." Carson Daly is tapped to fill in for him on the morning show.
Since the scandal exploded on public, several Hollywood publicists came forward to testify about Bush's alleged rude attitude in the past. "He was rude and lewd to a few female clients of mine. Boycotting the 9 a.m. hour of the Today show," one publicist wrote on Facebook.
Another told The Hollywood Reporter, "At last year's Oscars he was the only interviewer who was downright dismissive of my asking him, very politely, and before the rush of celebrities hit him, whether he'd like to speak to my (nominated) director client. He actually turned away with a roll of the eyes."
There was even a publicist who would boycott 'Today' show if Bush remained, "People who were already booked on the Today show were saying, 'Maybe we should look at GMA or make sure it's not him doing the interview.' There are people who wouldn't talk to him before the news."
Billy Bush hasn't commented on his suspension, but he has apologized for his lewd chat with Donald Trump, "Obviously I'm embarrassed and ashamed. It's no excuse, but this happened 11 years ago - I was younger, less mature and acted foolishly in playing along. I'm very sorry."
