AceShowbiz -

Brian Williams is taking a break from NBC's "Nightly News". The anchor announces his temporary leave after he was caught lying about coming under direct enemy fire in Iraq. He is now facing an internal investigation at NBC over his fabricated story.

"In the midst of a career spent covering and consuming news, it has become painfully apparent to me that I am presently too much a part of the news, due to my actions," he said. "As Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News, I have decided to take myself off of my daily broadcast for the next several days."

"Lester Holt has kindly agreed to sit in for me to allow us to adequately deal with this issue," he added. "Upon my return, I will continue my career-long effort to be worthy of the trust of those who place their trust in us."

Holt read Williams' memo on Saturday's newscast. "A word tonight about our colleague Brian Williams, who you may know has been under scrutiny this past week over his recollection of certain stories he's covered," he said before reading the note to viewers.