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Billy Bush ‘Really Sad’ About Donald Trump Tape Scandal, ‘Today’ Show Exit (Exclusive)

Better days ahead. Billy Bush is having a tough time coming to terms with the fallout from the Donald Trump tape scandal as well as his Monday, October 17, exit from NBC’s Today show, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly.

Related: PHOTOS: Donald Trump's Most Offensive and Outrageous Quotes

“He is really sad about everything,” the insider tells Us of the host’s emotional state. “He had just moved back to New York City and now his family is going through this.”

Related: PHOTOS: Stars Who Were Fired From Jobs

As previously reported, Bush, 45, was let go from the Today show — which he joined just this summer — for his involvement in a leaked 2005 Access Hollywood video in which he and Trump, 70, engaged in misogynistic banter. In the controversial clip, the AH alum laughs along as the now-Republican presidential candidate brags about grabbing women “by the p–sy” without permission.

Billy Bush
Billy Bush appears on NBC News’ “Today” show

Shortly after The Washington Post published the 11-year-old video on Friday, October 7, Bush apologized in a statement to Us.

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

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrities' Political Affiliations

Despite the drama, the source tells Us that the TV anchor — who shares three daughters with wife Sydney Davis — is hopeful about his future.

“Billy is a fighter, though, and this isn’t the last of his career. He is going to take some time to really think and recover,” the insider explains. “He is such a good family man. He is on OK terms with the network but does wish he could have apologized on air.”

Donald Trump and Billy Bush
Donald Trump with Billy Bush during The 56th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards

Bush’s NBC colleague Matt Lauer addressed the departure on the Today show’s October 18 episode.

Related: PHOTOS: Stars Share Secrets: Read Celebs' Shocking Confessions

“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, 58, 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.”

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