‘Today Show’ reportedly suspends Billy Bush, will be absent Monday

After sources previously indicated that Billy Bush would be appearing on Monday night’s “The Today Show” as a result of the infamous “Trump Tapes” scandal that surfaced on Friday, someone involved may have decided to change course.

Per Entertainment Weekly, a memo has been sent out to show staffers explaining that Bush, who serves as one of the hosts for the morning program, will be suspended and is not on the roster to appear Monday after all. If or when he does return, we imagine that one of the first things that happens will be an apology from the host to go along with the written statement he previously released.

These comments came before Bush was a host on “Today,” and was back during his time on “Access Hollywood” more than ten years ago. One of the women at the center of the comments was now-“Entertainment Tonight” co-host Nancy O’Dell, who explained in a statement on her show’s site how she felt about what was said:

“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. The conversation needs to change because no female, no person, should be the subject of such crass comments, whether or not cameras are rolling. Everyone deserves respect no matter the setting or gender. As a woman who has worked very hard to establish her career, and as a mom, I feel I must speak out with the hope that as a society we will always strive to be better.”

We imagine that this scandal will be a prime subject of discussion in tonight’s Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and NBC may be waiting to get away from this particular event before they decide to bring Bush back. (Photo: NBC.)