Billy Bush Returns to TV as Fox News Contributor a Decade After Access Hollywood Scandal
Billy Bush is joining Fox News as a contributor, marking his return to major network television ten years after the 'Access Hollywood' tape scandal ended his tenure as an anchor on NBC's 'Today' show. The 54-year-old, who is a nephew of George H.W. Bush and a cousin of George W. Bush, will debut on 'Jesse Watters Primetime' on Tuesday evening and appear across all Fox platforms. In a statement, Bush expressed excitement to share his perspective on current cultural and political issues. His return follows a period where he hosted 'Extra' and launched a podcast, following the 2016 fallout from a 2005 recording in which Donald Trump made vulgar comments about women. Bush previously apologized for his role in the incident, acknowledging the trauma it caused for women who accused Trump of sexual misconduct.
Key points
- Billy Bush has signed on as a contributor for Fox News, ending a decade-long absence from major network anchoring roles.
- His debut will be on 'Jesse Watters Primetime' at 8 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, with appearances scheduled across all Fox platforms.
- The move comes ten years after the 'Access Hollywood' tape surfaced in 2016, which led to Bush losing his job as an anchor on NBC's 'Today' show.
- In a statement, Bush said he is excited to share his perspective on people, ideas, and moments shaping today's culture.
- The original 2005 recording featured Donald Trump making vulgar comments about women, which Bush laughed at, leading to his public apology and career setback.
- Bush previously spent five years hosting 'Extra' and started a podcast called 'Hot Mics With Billy Bush' after the scandal.
Background
This development follows recent personnel changes at Fox News, including the departure of veteran journalist Maria Bartiromo after over a decade, which sparked discussions about internal network dynamics and information sharing. Bush's return to Fox News marks a significant moment in his career, as he re-enters the public eye after years of hosting entertainment news and podcasting. The 'Access Hollywood' tape, which emerged in the closing weeks of the 2016 presidential election, had a profound impact on Bush's career and public perception, leading to his apology and a period of reduced visibility in mainstream media. His move to Fox News, a network closely associated with Donald Trump, adds a layer of complexity to his return, given the political and legal ramifications of the tape for Trump.
Why it matters
Billy Bush's return to Fox News as a contributor is significant as it marks a major career comeback for a figure whose reputation was severely damaged by the 'Access Hollywood' tape. His move to a network closely aligned with Donald Trump, the subject of the tape, raises questions about the evolving dynamics in media and politics. The tape's legal and political fallout, including a 2023 federal jury verdict against Trump, underscores the long-lasting impact of the incident. Bush's return also highlights the changing landscape of media, where figures once sidelined by scandals may find new platforms, potentially influencing public discourse and cultural narratives.
What to watch
Billy Bush is set to make his debut on 'Jesse Watters Primetime' on Tuesday evening, with appearances across all Fox platforms. His return may influence public discourse and media narratives, particularly given the political and legal implications of the 'Access Hollywood' tape. The move could also spark discussions about the evolving roles of media figures in the context of political and cultural debates. Future developments may include Bush's impact on Fox News' programming and public perception, as well as potential reactions from other media outlets and the public.
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