By ,
Published October 10, 2016
Bright and early Monday morning, “Today” host Savannah Guthrie read an NBC statement regarding the suspension of host Billy Bush, following the release of a tape in which Bush is heard discussing women using lewd language alongside GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Pending further review of the matter, NBC News has suspended Billy Bush. pic.twitter.com/uYGydJQV4N
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 10, 2016
“We want to note one more thing: Pending further review of the matter, NBC News has suspended Billy Bush, the host of ‘Today’s’ third-hour, for his role in that conversation with Donald Trump,” Guthrie said with her eyes trained on the camera at about 7 a.m. ET.
At the start of the 9 a.m. hour, Al Roker and Tamron Hall took over and reiterated what Guthrie had said earlier regarding Bush's absence.
The suspension has received mix reviews from “Today” viewers.
@TODAYshow I am disgusted that the Today Show suspended Billy Bush. If you fire him, I will never watch the show again!
— Melanie Schoen (@melanie_schoen) October 10, 2016
@TODAYshow Billy Bush should be fired. He wasn't working out anyway. Now you have a reason to get rid of him.
— Mary Campbell (@mtcampbellcpa) October 10, 2016
Suspended? He should be fired! NBC wake up. #billyBush https://t.co/62B7ektsYL
— Mary Murphy (@macmurph) October 10, 2016
@TODAYshow Billy Bush needs to go permanently. I love the Today Show and haven't like BB since the Olympic coverage. Now the video...done.
— Linda Rossi (@LRos123) October 10, 2016
@TODAYshow l love Billy Bush. Should Not be let go! No one is perfect!!! You shouldn't cast stones when you live in a glass house.
— Stacy Ann (@StacyAnn6656) October 10, 2016
Bush, for his part, has apologized for the comments on the tape and has deleted his Twitter account.
"Today" senior exec Noah Oppenheim explained the move to staff members in an internal memo sent out Sunday.
"I know we've all been deeply troubled by the revelations of the past 48 hours,'' Oppenheim stated. "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."
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/today-show-addresses-billy-bush-suspension-on-the-air