Billy Bush leaves NBC after Trump tape scandal

Mr Bush has apologised for the taped comments

US television host Billy Bush, who was caught on tape making lewd comments with Donald Trump in 2005, has left NBC, the channel says.

Mr Bush was initially suspended after the tape - in which he says "the Donald has scored" and also comments on a woman's "good legs" - emerged.

On his departure, Bush said: "I look forward to what lies ahead."

Mr Trump, now the Republican presidential candidate, has also apologised for the comments.

Mr Bush, who joined NBC's flagship Today programme in August, left on Monday, an email from Senior Vice-President Noah Oppenheim to staff said.

'Embarrassed and ashamed'

"While he was a new member of the Today team, he was a valued colleague and long-time member of the broader NBC family. We wish him success as he goes forward."

Mr Bush said in a statement: "I am deeply grateful for the conversations I've had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues. I look forward to what lies ahead."

Mr Bush's lawyer, Marshall Grossman, said his client's settlement with NBC included non restrictions about future employers and that Bush was "free to do whatever he wishes to do professionally."

The financial terms are confidential, he added.

Mr Grossman had said last week that news reports of a potential $10m (£8.1m) settlement were false.

Bush, who is the first cousin of former President George W Bush, joined the Today team in August, having been anchor of Access Hollywood since 2009 and co-host of Access Hollywood Live since 2010.

When news of the video broke earlier this month, he said he was "embarrassed and ashamed" at the remarks.

In the video, Mr Trump, a prominent businessman and TV personality, says "you can do anything" to women "when you're a star" and also brags about trying to grope and kiss women.

Other Republicans have strongly criticised Mr Trump for the remarks and a series of women have since come forward accusing him of sexual assault.

But this wife Melania has insisted that her husband is a "gentleman" and that the women who allege that he sexually assaulted them are lying.

With regards to the 2005 video, she also says she believes Bush was the main culprit.

Her husband "was led on - like, egged on - from the host to say dirty and bad stuff", she said.