EXCLUSIVE: Billy Bush is an 'entitled jock' who polarized opinion in the studio, according to an NBC source, who has called for him to be sacked
- Sources reveal Billy Bush was a polarizing presence on Access Hollywood
- Some staff on the program thought the 44-year-old was an 'entitled jock'
- Network insiders calling for Bush to immediately resign from NBC News
- 'He can't stay on a show that's primary audience is women,' a source said
- The insider also said NBC should fire Bush if he refuses to quit the network
- Bush was with Trump when the nominee made shocking remarks in 2005
- Trump was caught bragging about trying to seduce a married woman
- He made the comments with Billy Bush on Access Hollywood lot in 2005
NBC insiders have called on the network to fire Billy Bush immediately after a recording of a shocking conversation he had with Donald Trump in 2005 emerged.
Bush was with Trump in 2005 on the set of Access Hollywood when the Republican nominee was heard bragging about his power over women, while he also detailed how he tried to seduce married Nancy O'Dell.
'I moved on her and I failed. I’ll admit it. I did try and f*** her. She was married', Trump says in the recording obtained by the Washington Post.
NBC insiders have called on the network to fire Billy Bush immediately after a recording of a conversation he had with Donald Trump in 2005 emerged
An NBC source told DailyMail.com that Access Hollywood staff uncovered the controversial footage as part of a story the program commissioned for next week, but they were beaten to the punch after someone leaked it.
'(The video) was in the process of being heavily vetted by Access Hollywood and NBC's attorneys,' the insider said.
'Unfortunately someone within NBC leaked the video in full beforehand to both embarrass Donald and Billy.
'NBC and Access Hollywood have absolutely no idea who released the video but it was most certainly leaked. The quality is perfect and it is previously unaired material.'
Bill Bush (pictured interviewing Donald Trump in 2015) was with the Republican nominee in 2015 when he bragged about being able to do 'anything' to women
Arianne Zucker (middle) walks between Donald Trump and Billy Bush moments after they were recorded making shocking comments in 2005
The source went on to describe how Bush was not liked by some of the people he worked with on the show, before he made the jump to Today this year.
'While Billy was liked by some staff at Access Hollywood, he was a highly polarizing figure who at times acted like an entitled jock and this annoyed his colleagues,' they said.
'It's disgusting that he would let someone talk about his former colleague Nancy O'Dell in that way.'
The network insider also said the 44-year-old host who is the nephew of former president George H.W. Bush and cousin of George W. Bush should 'resign from NBC News'.
'While Billy was liked by some staff at Access Hollywood, he was a highly polarizing figure who at times acted like an entitled jock and this annoyed his colleagues,' an NBC source says
Donald Trump and his then-fiancee Melania are seen on the red carpet with Billy Bush ahead of the 56th Emmys in 2004
'He can't stay on a show that's primary viewing audience is women when he has now been caught in a conversation that is offensive to women everywhere,' the source said.
'And if he doesn't resign, NBC needs to act immediately and fire him. Even if this was 11 years ago it speaks to his character or lack of character.'
However, another person close to the situation said Bush's job is safe despite the controversy.
'Billy has really done a great job on the third hour of Today since he joined. He's well liked by the team and not at all polarizing,' the second source said.
'Bush (pictured with Donald Trump in 2004) can't stay on a show that's primary viewing audience is women when he has now been caught in a conversation that is offensive to women everywhere,' the source said
'And if he doesn't resign, NBC needs to act immediately and fire him. Even if this was 11 years ago it speaks to his character or lack of character,' an NBC insider told DailyMail.com
'These comments are from over 10 years ago and they don't represent the Billy we all work with today.
'Billy's job is not at risk.'
An Access Hollywood insider told DailyMail.com: 'As we reported in our story this evening, Access Hollywood has interviewed Donald Trump literally hundreds of times over 20 years.
'With Mr. Trump’s nomination as presidential candidate, Access Hollywood reviewed its extensive library footage and discovered these comments.'
Bush apologized for his role in the recording on Friday, saying in a statement: 'Obviously I'm embarrassed and ashamed. It's no excuse, but this happened eleven years ago - I was younger, less mature, and acted foolishly in playing along. I'm very sorry.'
The married woman Trump was heard in the recording saying he tried to seduce was revealed to be Entertainment Tonight co-host Nancy O'Dell
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pauses during a meeting with members of the National Border Patrol Council at Trump Tower, Friday, Oct. 7
He also swiftly deleted his Twitter account on Friday in the wake of the revelation, however his Facebook page that remained online was flooded with negative comments.
'Oh my Billy Bush you really surprise me with that conversation with "the Donald" I've lost a lot of respect for you!' Becky Bouldin wrote.
'Billy Bush! Just heard the Trump video in which you participated. Really???? You owe us something in the way of explanation... I'm so embarrassed by this and other happenings during this campaign,' Nancy Fuleihan said.
'Hey Billy Bush... you proud of yourself?' Ronald Wright asked.
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