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Former Access Hollywood co-host Billy Bush has revealed that he considered suicide after the video of Donald Trump saying “grab them by the pussy” was leaked.
Bush was fired by NBC in 2016 after an Access Hollywood outtake from 2005 surfaced, in which Trump boasted about his ability to sexually harass and assault women and Bush appeared to laugh along.
Recalling the aftermath of his firing, Bush told The Daily Beast: “Suicidal thoughts pop into your head. I’d never seriously do it – because I have children that matter. But when you’re really low – and this is important to include – you’re emoting at the most extreme.
“But I’m never ever a serious candidate for that. I would not, could not do that to those who count on me and love me and need me. Absolutely not.”
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In the leaked video, Bush can be heard bantering with Trump on the Access Hollywood bus about Days of Our Lives star Arianne Zucker, whom the then reality TV mogul was scheduled to work with during a cameo appearance on the soap.
“Sheesh, your girl’s hot as s***!” he said. “Yes! The Donald has scored!”
Trump then remarked that he needed some Tic-Tacs, “just in case I start kissing her… When you’re a star, they let you do it.”
“Whatever you want,” Bush agreed.
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“Grab them by the pussy,” Trump added, to laughter from Bush and members of the Access Hollywood crew. “You can do anything.”
Trump went on to win the presidency a few weeks after the outtake was unearthed, while Bush was fired from the Today show having held the position for less than two months.
On Monday, Bush is making his TV comeback as an anchor on the Fox Television entertainment show Extra.
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