Billy Bush Suspended by NBC (UPDATED)
We’ve told you from the beginning that the leaked audio of a lewd and sexist conversation between Donald Trump and Billy Bush would likely be very bad news for Bush, who is a recent addition to the team of anchors on the Today Show. This weekend, NBC made it clear that Bush would be back on Today, but a new report now says that he’ll be benched for the time being.
Following confirmation from a spokesperson at NBC, the LA Times is now reporting that Bush has been “asked to take a break.” In his place for now will be Al Roker, who had previously had the upcoming week scheduled as off-time for a medical issue.
He will not be on the air tomorrow, but whether he will return later in the week is still to be seen.
UPDATE — 7:44 p.m. EST:
CNN’s Brian Stelter is reporting that Bush has been suspended by the network.
Internal memo: "NBC has decided to suspend Billy, pending further review of this matter." https://t.co/bjh1eN7s1P
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 9, 2016
He is suspended “pending further review.”
UPDATE — 9:04 p.m. EST: Below is a statement Mediaite obtained from Today exec Noah Oppenheim:
Dear TODAY Family — 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.
[image via screengrab]
