Billy Bush Returns to TV as Fox News Contributor

Billy Bush has been announced as a new Fox News contributor, with his debut scheduled for the program “Jesse Watters Primetime.” The announcement comes nearly a decade after the release of a video in which then-candidate Donald Trump made offensive comments about women, a recording that led to Bush’s departure from NBC.

What motivated the hiring

Fox News announced that Bush will appear across multiple network platforms, expanding coverage of celebrities and pop culture. The network stated that Bush’s presence can deepen the analysis of the people, ideas, and moments shaping today’s culture.

Billy Bush's career history

Prior to the hiring, Bush was known as the East Coast correspondent for “Access Hollywood” and as a host of “Extra.” He also had a brief stint as co-host of the third hour of NBC’s “Today.” In recent years, he hosted the digital show “Hot Mics with Billy Bush,” which covered sports, politics, entertainment, technology, and pop culture.

The 2016 scandal and its aftermath

In 2016, a clip recorded in 2005 was released showing Donald Trump talking about sexual harassment while Bush laughed along. The publication of the video by The Washington Post resulted in Bush losing his job at NBC and spending three years off television.

Billy Bush's reaction to the new role

In a statement sent to Fox News Media, Bush said he was “excited” to join the network's audience and share his perspective on the topics defining contemporary culture, as well as on those attempting to “unmake” it.

Family ties and political context

Billy Bush is the nephew of the late President George H.W. Bush and the cousin of former President George W. Bush and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. This family connection was noted in both sources covering the hiring.

With information from Variety, AOL.com.