NBC News officially parted ways with shamed Today Show host and co-star of the Trump Tapes that surfaced this month. After initially standing by Bush, once the full impact of the tape started to play out, Bush appeared to be headed towards the door as the 45-year-old host was suspended from the network two days after the 11-year-old footage was released. The terms of Bush’s departure, reportedly in the $10 million range, were being negotiated last week and his departure was announced Monday evening.
“Billy Bush will be leaving the TODAY show’s 9am hour, effective today, Today executive producer Noah Oppenheim wrote in a brief staff email Monday. “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.”
“I am deeply grateful for the conversations I’ve had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues,” Bush said in a statement. “I look forward to what lies ahead.” Interestingly, both sides statements were a part of the negotiated settlement, according to CNN’s Brian Stelter. So digest them with however much salt you’d like.
NBC had attempted to cut Bush’s part of the lewd back-and-forth with the Republican nominee to minimize the damage before breaking the news on its own network, but was scooped by the Washington Post’s David Fahrenthold. Bush was just months into a three-year deal with NBC for reportedly $3 million per year, according to USA Today.
