Entertainment

Billy Bush Suspended From ‘Today’ Show

Katie Jerkovich Entertainment Reporter
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Billy Bush has been suspended from “Today” show following revealed hot mic comments from 2005 between him and Donald Trump.

In a sudden reversal, NBC issued an internal memo that the 44-year-old host will not appear on the morning show on Monday or any time soon pending further review, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The memo comes following a recent leaked audio of the Republican presidential nominee making sexually aggressive comments about Nancy O’Dell to Bush when he was with “Access Hollywood.” (RELATED: Scott Baio Defends Trump’s Off-Mic Comments: Critics Should ‘Grow Up’ [VIDEO])

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 16: (BROADCAST - OUT) Natalie Morales, Billy Bush and Al Roker joke on the Today show set on Copacabana Beach on August 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“Dear TODAY Family, I know we’ve all been deeply troubled by the revelations of the past 48 hours,” NBC executive Noah Oppenheim wrote. “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.” (RELATED: Jon Voight Defends Donald Trump, Blasts De Niro For His Criticism)

After the audio came out Friday, Bush issued an apology for his part in the conversation.

“Obviously I’m embarrassed and ashamed,” Bush said. “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.”

Previously NBC had stated that the host would appear Monday morning in the 9 a.m. hour to reiterate his apology he issued on Friday.

As of Friday evening, Page six was reporting that Bush’s job was “safe.”

“It happened 11 years ago,” a source told the outlet. “Billy was in a different place. He was a lot younger and more immature.”

“He’s definitely embarrassed by this, but his job at ‘Today’ is safe.”