Billy Bush, former NBC anchor, accused major networks of bias and campaigning to undermine Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential run. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Bush claimed networks,
including ABC News, created investigative units to dig up dirt on Trump, which he called “activism, not journalism.” He also highlighted the media frenzy over a leaked 2005 hot mic, tape featuring Trump’s crude comments, which damaged his campaign and cost Bush his job at NBC.
Bush named CNN’s Jeff Zucker and other network executives as key figures in pushing anti-Trump narratives.
He criticized the media for focusing on sensational stories instead of policy, arguing this undermined fair reporting. Despite the backlash, Trump’s supporters remained loyal, and he won the election. The controversy surrounding the tape and Bush’s firing raised questions about media ethics, influencing public trust in journalism.
US TV host Billy Bush has been suspended from NBC’s Today show after a video tape emerged in which he and Donald Trump made lewd comments.
Today executive Noah Oppenheim wrote in a memo to the morning show’s staff that there is “simply no excuse for Billy’s language and behaviour on that tape”.
Mr Bush has said he was “embarrassed and ashamed” at the remarks.
US presidential candidate Mr Trump has also apologised for the obscene comments made in the 2005 tape.
In the video, Mr Trump was on a bus talking to Mr Bush – then host of NBC’s Access Hollywood – ahead of a segment they were about to record.
Mr Trump says “you can do anything” to women “when you’re a star” and also brags about trying to grope and kiss women.
Mr Bush tells Mr Trump at one point “the Donald has scored” and also comments on a woman’s “good legs”.
The presenter, who is the first cousin of former President George W Bush, has since said: “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.”
Top Republicans have condemned Mr Trump for the comments. His election rival Hillary Clinton called them “horrific”.
The Republican party nominee has said “these words don’t reflect who I am… I apologise”.
Bush joined the Today team, external in August, having been anchor of Access Hollywood, external since 2009 and co-host of Access Hollywood Live since 2010.
Mr Oppenheim said that there would be a “further review” of the matter and did not say how long Mr Bush would be suspended for.
