Chris Haston/NBC(NEW YORK) — Billy Bush is leaving Today.
NBC said in a statement obtained by ABC News that effective today, the journalist will no longer be a part of the morning show’s 9 a.m. hour.
In a separate statement, Bush, who did not reveal his future plans, said, “I look forward to what lies ahead.”
“I am deeply grateful for the conversations I’ve had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues,” he said.
A representative for NBC added in a statement, “While he was a new member of the Today team, he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family. We wish him success as he goes forward.”
Bush, 45, came under fire earlier this month when a 2005 tape of him having a lewd conversation withDonald Trump was made public. In the recording, Trump, 70, described coming on to a married woman, later revealed to be Bush’s former Access Hollywood colleague Nancy O’Dell, and bragged about groping women.
“Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am,” Trump later said. “I said it, I was wrong and I apologize.”
Bush also acknowledged his mistake and issued an apology to Politico.
“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,” he said at the time.
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