NBC suspends Billy Bush as Presidential Debate rages

US Today host Billy Bush has been suspended by pending a review, following a release of a lewd 2005 conversation with Donald Trump.

“Let me be clear — there is simply no excuse for Billy’s language and behavior on that tape,” said Noah Oppenheim, the NBC News senior vice president in a memo to staffers.

“NBC has decided to suspend Billy, pending further review of this matter.”

Bush was a co-host in the show’s 9am hour.

Meanwhile Nancy O’Dell, who was the target of Trump’s comments will be back hosting Entertainment Tonight today.

“Politics aside, I’m saddened that these comments still exist in our society at all. When I heard the comments yesterday, it was disappointing to hear such objectification of women,” she said following the tape’s release.

But there is also mounting pressure on NBC to release tapes from The Apprentice which suggest much worse language has been used by Trump.

As a producer on seasons 1 & 2 of #theapprentice I assure you: when it comes to the #trumptapes there are far worse. #justthebegininng

— Bill Pruitt (@billpruitt) October 8, 2016

But producer Mark Burnett has contracts in place that stipulate a $5m penalty for anyone leaking material.

That has prompted a GoFundMe page to be set up to pay the fine, in order to release said tapes.

“Someone out there is likely in possession of a piece of evidence that could be used to substantiate what many folks have always believed,” the GoFundMe page states. “This country needs that person to come forward and ensure that we all know the truth that is out there.”

Meanwhile following today’s heated debate, in which Trump accused Bill Clinton of rape, threatened Hillary with jail if he wins and distanced himself from his own running mate, observers declared Hillary Clinton the winner.

Source: Variety, Deadline, Hollywood Reporter