NEW YORK, Oct. 11 (UPI) — Kit Hoover gave an impassioned defense of disgraced television personality Billy Bush on Monday.
The 46-year-old “Access Hollywood Live” host teared up on-air while discussing Bush, her former colleague, and his involvement in the leaked Donald Trump tape.
“He always treated me with kindness [and] such respect,” Hoover said. “It was just devastating to watch all this unfold. The Billy that I know — and a lot of people would say — has the biggest heart of anybody, and he is a good person.”
“One of the first people to call me and congratulate me when I announced that I was going to be getting this job was Billy,” co-host Natalie Morales added. “He also offered advice and offered to help with my move and transition.”
Bush was suspended from the “Today” show Sunday after the Washington Post released a 2005 hot mic recording of Trump making lewd comments about women to Bush on “Access Hollywood.” Bush also made remarks, including about actress Adrienne Zucker.
“Pending further review of the matter, NBC News has suspended Billy Bush, the host of “Today’s” third hour, for his role in that conversation with Donald Trump,” “Today” host Savannah Guthrie confirmed on Monday’s episode.
“Today” host Carson Daly will take over the 9 a.m. programming block for Bush during his suspension. “Today” executives had said that the television personality is suspended “pending further review.”
