Billy Bush Suspended From Today in Wake of Trump Tapes

NBC suspended Billy Bush from the Today show Sunday night, pending further review, in the wake of the release of his offensive and lewd conversation with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump made in 2005, according to Variety.

It is unclear when Bush will return to Today. Earlier Sunday night, NBC had initially removed Bush from Monday's broadcast, on which he had reportedly hoped to appear to apologize to viewers. NBC had spent all day mulling whether to let Bush appear, according to Variety.
In the video, which leaked Friday, the Access Hollywood host tells Trump, "Your girl's hot as sh--," referring to Arianne Zucker, the Days of Our Lives star who escorted the men to the set of the soap.

On Sunday, the actress released the following statement via social media:

"My name is Arianne (R-E-on) ZUCKER (Zooker) and I am a strong, independent, hard working mother, business woman and partner to a great man. I have grown to learn that the words of others cannot effect [sic] the value of my self worth or define the content of my character. How we treat one another, whether behind closed doors, locker rooms or face to face, should be done with kindness, dignity and respect. Unfortunately, there are too many people in power who abuse their position and disregard these simple principles and are rewarded for it. In understanding the magnitude of this situation, I choose to stand tall with self respect and use my voice to enrich, inspire and elevate the best of who we are as people."
Entertainment Tonight host Nancy O'Dell, previously of Access Hollywood, was revealed to be the married woman Trump referred to in the video, when he bragged to Bush, "I did try and f-- her." O'Dell released a statement Saturday via ET saying, "No female, no person, should be the subject of such crass comments, whether or not cameras are rolling. Everyone deserves respect."

Trump released a video Friday in which he apologize for his offensive remarks. "This was locker room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago. Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course -- not even close. I apologize if anyone was offended."

Bush also released his his own public apology Friday. "Obviously I'm embarrassed and ashamed. It's no excuse, but this happened eleven years ago -- I was younger, less mature, and acted foolishly in playing along. I'm very sorry," he said.