TV presenter Billy Bush suspended after appearing in lewd Donald Trump video
US TV host Billy Bush has been suspended as host of NBC's Today show "pending further review", following his involvement in a lewd video recording taken in 2005.
Mr Bush appeared in the "Access Hollywood" recording alongside Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who sparked a fierce backlash on his views of women.
Mr Trump is heard boasting in lewd terms about kissing and groping women without their consent. Mr Bush is heard laughing and joking alongside.
In an internal memo to NBC staff on Monday, senior vice president Noah Oppenheim - who oversees the Today show - said there was "no excuse for Billy's language."
"I know we've all been deeply troubled by the revelations of the past 48 hours. 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", he added.
In a personal apology issued after the video was released, Mr Bush said: "Obviously I'm embarrassed and ashamed. 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."
The incident dominated headlines around the world and led to a number of Republicans withdrawing their support for the presidential nominee.
Mr Trump has refused to withdraw from the election race and has insisted the issue was just "locker room banter".