Billy Bush Reportedly Leaving NBC Due to Misogynistic Comments Made With Donald Trump

Last Friday, The Washington Post released footage from NBC's Access Hollywood in 2005, showing then-host Billy Bush engaging in a crude, misogynistic conversation with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The blowback has been quick and ruthless, and although Donald was able to evade commenting on what he said during the second presidential debate, Billy is facing a harsher punishment. The 9 a.m. hour Today show host was suspended from the network on Sunday, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, he's in the midst of negotiating an end to his position.

Thanks to an outcry from social media users and celebrities alike, his exit should come as no surprise. High-profile public relations firms were even threatening to boycott Today if Billy came back, according to THR's sources. "People who were already booked on the Today show were saying, 'Maybe we should look at GMA or make sure it's not him doing the interview.' There are people who wouldn't talk to him before the news. At Access [Hollywood], he was always 'that guy.' There were people who were anxious about him before he started [on Today]." Billy apologized for his behavior in a statement, but Today executive Noah Oppenheim made it clear he wouldn't be welcomed back in an email to staff on Sunday. "Let me be clear — there is simply no excuse for Billy's language and behavior on that tape," he wrote. "NBC has decided to suspend Billy, pending further review of this matter."