TV host Billy Bush was already polarising - and his lewd Trump audio makes things much worse
The former Access Hollywood host is the nephew of George H.W. Bush and cousin of George W. Bush
Billy Bush was already a polarising figure for NBC. The former Access Hollywood host had a rocky transition when he joined the Today show as a co-anchor this summer, thanks to a viral argument with weatherman Al Roker about whether embattled swimmer Ryan Lochte lied about his alleged robbery.
Trump was about to tape an Access Hollywood segment promoting his upcoming cameo on the soap opera, Days of Our Lives. For much of the conversation, the two men are aboard a bus branded Access Hollywood, and do not appear on camera. As Trump recounts his failed attempts to seduce a woman -- often invoking crude language - the laughter of others can be heard in response. At times in the audio, it’s unclear if Bush or another man is talking.
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
When they notice actress Arianne Zucker waiting to escort them to set, Bush says, “Your girl’s hot as s--, in the purple.” Trump responds: “Whoa!” And off the bus, Bush says to Zucker, “How about a little hug for the Donald? He just got off the bus.”
A representative for Bush did not immediately return The Post’s inquiry. Neither did a rep for Today or one for Access Hollywood. NBC News, which oversees Today, declined to comment.
There hasn’t been talk internally at the network yet about disciplining Bush over the tape, according to people familiar with the discussion.
On Friday evening Bush issued an apology: “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.”