Billy Bush will reportedly get to keep his job at ‘Today’ after leaked audio from a vulgar conversation about women that he had with Donald Trump surfaced.
An NBC insider said: “It happened 11 years ago … Billy was in a different place. He was a lot younger and more immature. He’s definitely embarrassed by this, but his job at ‘Today’ is safe.”
Another TV source continued, “Trump supporters might not care, but the ‘Today’ show will … they want Billy to look like ‘nice funny’ Billy, not a frat boy. The problem is that what to do if his interview subjects bring it up? He’ll have to address it on TV.”
Of his rival Matt Lauer, who isn’t happy about Bush being his heir apparent, the source added, “Somewhere in New York, Matt Lauer is having a big belly laugh.”
Bush told us in a 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.”
NBC was rife with conspiracy theories about how the tape leaked to the Washington Post.
Another source told us that: “There are only a few people who could have leaked this. The cameraman, who wouldn’t hold on to it. The editor, who also has no incentive to keep it and [‘Access Hollywood’ executive producer and close Bush pal] Rob Silverstein … They are the ones with access. There would be no reason to hold onto it from 2005. The would only [reason to] leak it now [is] because of Donald Trump’s bid for president. NBC is in crisis mode. They have to protect [Billy].”
But Silverstein told Page Six when asked if he leaked the tape: “I am the last person in the world who would release that tape. Trust me. Let’s remember that. No chance. Don’t even infer it’s me. I don’t know who leaked it. I have no idea.”
For the record, Billy Bush was 33 when he made those disgusting comments. Do you think he should keep his job?
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