Billy Bush Might Have a Job Lined Up Already Following His Today Show Exit

Updated on 11/14/2016 at 10:40 AM

This post has been updated with new information.

In October, a horrifying, troubling video from 2005 put Donald Trump's entire presidential campaign in jeopardy, and for good reason. The clip depicts a conversation between Trump and then-Access Hollywood host Billy Bush; the two men talk crudely about objectifying women, grabbing their genitals, and making unwanted sexual advances. While Trump obviously had to deal with the issue — it was, in fact, awkwardly addressed during the second presidential debate — it didn't seem to matter since he was eventually elected president. Billy was not as fortunate. The TV personality had only just joined Today as an anchor in May 2016, but the now-infamous video may have permanently dented his career. We're breaking down Billy's side of the timeline, from the video leak to its massive fallout.

A crude, taped conversation between Donald Trump and Billy Bush surfaces. On Friday, Oct. 7, The Washington Post obtained and released a 2005 video featuring Donald Trump and Billy Bush. At the time, Billy was a host for Access Hollywood. In the clip, Donald talks about women, saying he had the freedom to "grab them by the p*ssy" because he's a well-known star.
Billy releases a statement apologizing for his behavior. On the same day, Billy addressed the video in a personal statement: "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."
Trump also releases an apology. Late, late Friday night, Donald Trump released his own video statement addressing the controversy. "This was locker room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago," he said. "Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course, not even close. I apologize if anyone was offended."
NBC and Billy Bush plan to address the issue on air. On Sunday, a source at NBC said Billy Bush would make a live statement about the tape on Monday's Today show. "The plan is for him to have a chance to apologize," the source said.
NBC decides to suspend Billy Bush after reconsideration. Later on Sunday, NBC suspended Billy Bush indefinitely. According to the report from E! Online, an internal email read, "I know we've been deeply troubled by the revelations of the past 48 hours. 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."
NBC's anchors address Billy's absence. During Monday's show, Today's various anchors made brief mentions of Billy's absence. Early on in the show, Savannah Guthrie commented on the state of the situation: "We want to note one other thing, pending further review of the matter, NBC News has suspended Billy Bush, host of Today's third hour, for his role in that conversation with Donald Trump." The issue emerged again, later on. "As you can see, Billy Bush is not here joining us today," Al Roker said, "as you're probably aware, part of that 2005 Access Hollywood taping with Trump that's been in the news all week." Al's coanchor, Tamron Hall, added, "NBC, which owns Access Hollywood, has suspended Billy for his role in that conversation pending further review."
Billy Bush is reportedly devastated. According to Us Weekly, the situation has emotionally wrecked Billy Bush. A source revealed, "Billy was devastated and crying when the leaked tape of him with Donald Trump in 2005 was first leaked to The Washington Post. He was crying that his career was over."
Carson Daly fills in for Billy on the Today show. On Oct. 10, NBC announced that Carson, who serves as Today's social media correspondent, would be cohosting the show's 9 a.m. hour with Tamron Hall.
Dancing With the Stars might be courting Billy Bush. According to Page Six, ABC may be trying to wrangle Billy Bush for its Spring 2017 season. Seeing as Ryan Lochte joined the season 23 cast in the wake of his Rio robbery drama, it's clear the competition is a solid step in public image rehabilitation.
Billy Bush and NBC reach a settlement. On Oct. 17, The Hollywood Reporter announced that Billy was done with the Today show after reaching a settlement with NBC. Following the news, Noah Oppenheim, the executive in charge of the morning show, issued the following statement: "Billy Bush will be leaving the Today show's 9 a.m. hour, effective today. 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."
Billy Bush releases a statement. The TV host told Us Weekly in a statement, "I am deeply grateful for the conversations I've had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues. I look forward to what lies ahead."
Matt Lauer announces Billy's exit on the Today show. On Oct. 18, the host briefly spoke about Billy's exit during the show. "NBC announced last night that Billy would be leaving the Today show, effective immediately, noting that he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family," he said. "A statement Billy released separately last night read in part, 'I look forward to what lies ahead.'" He added, "Of course, all of us here at Today wish Billy the very best."
Billy Bush reportedly gets a job offer from Breitbart. A source at Page Six claims that the alt-right news site, whose former president Steve Bannon was recently chosen as Donald Trump's chief adviser, is interested in recruiting Billy to cover the Hollywood scene. "They want to expand covering Hollywood in a big way — and think Billy would be perfect for the job," they said. Despite Breitbart's interest, it doesn't seem like the site is up the TV personality's alley. "Billy's ego is big," a media insider added. "He likes to be a TV star, and would want to go to a rival like ABC or CBS."

We will update with further details as they become available.