Matt Lauer Confirms Billy Bush's Today Ouster on Air — Watch

Matt Lauer began Tuesday’s edition of the Today show by confirming the ousting of Billy Bush, who on Monday was terminated for his role in the Donald Trump tape scandal.

RELATEDBilly Bush Officially Out at Today

“NBC News announced last night that Billy Bush would be leaving the Today show effective immediately, noting that he was a valued colleague and a longtime member of the broader NBC family,” Lauer said. “A statement Billy released separately last night read in part ‘I look forward to what lies ahead,’ and of course, all of us here at Today wish Billy the very best.”

NBC had previously announced that Bush was indefinitely suspended on Oct. 2, but it wasn’t until Monday that the Peacock network formally parted ways with its co-host. Prior to his initial suspension, Bush had released the following apology:

“Obviously I’m embarrassed and ashamed,” he 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.”

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Bush, who has been with NBC since he joined Access Hollywood as an on-air correspondent in 2001, is leaving the network with an exit package some unconfirmed reports have put in the neighborhood of $10 million.

Watch Lauer’s confirmation of Bush’s exit below, then tell us if you agree with NBC’s decision to let him go.

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