Let me tell you a story that's both personal and revealing. In a recent heart-to-heart interview, Billy Bush opened up about a surprising twist in his life post-NBC. After being let go from the Today show due to a controversial Access Hollywood tape involving then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, Billy found himself in an unexpected place. Fast forward a year, and Matt Lauer, his former co-star, faced a similar fate when he was also fired for allegations of sexual misconduct. But here's the kicker—Matt reached out to Billy during this turbulent time.
"He sent me a text asking about some self-help books I’d been diving into," Billy told People magazine. "I recommended a starting point, something that resonated with me deeply." Now, here's the part that really struck me: Billy made it clear he took no pleasure in Matt’s termination. "At first, there might have been a part of me wondering if this situation would somehow even the score, but I’m glad I didn’t feel that way," he admitted. "Accountability is crucial, and I genuinely felt for the women involved, as well as Matt’s wife. It’s about justice, not vengeance."
Rebuilding Lives Amidst Turbulent Times
Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, Billy, and Matt on Today. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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Reflections on Hardship and Accountability
Now, here’s the thing: when Matt’s career took a nosedive, Billy faced a whirlwind of reactions from people around him. "People were messaging me, saying stuff like, 'He got what was coming to him,'" Billy recalled. "But I’ve learned that there’s no joy in watching someone else’s downfall, no matter who they are." Billy also revealed a moment of tension when he felt Matt hadn’t done enough to support him during his own firing. "I thought, if I ever saw him again, I’d tell him I felt let down," he confessed. "But months later, we had a conversation. He assured me he’d fought privately on my behalf, and I accepted that. It was a healing moment for both of us."
A Journey Toward Redemption
Since leaving NBC, Billy has embarked on a quiet yet powerful journey of self-discovery. "I was so embarrassed and ashamed," he admitted. "Losing my career felt like the ultimate degradation. It was like grieving for something I thought I’d never get back." Yet, Billy found strength in adversity. "Sure, there are dark moments, but I’ve learned to embrace them. They’ve made me a more thoughtful person. I walk with a renewed sense of purpose now."
Billy credits much of his transformation to spiritual practices and self-help work. "I’ve immersed myself in reading the Bible, meditating, and reflecting on my actions," he shared. "There’s a term for what I did—it’s called bystander abuse. By not stepping in, I endorsed something I shouldn’t have. That’s something I have to live with. But I have a plan now. I want to turn this mess into my message. I believe I’m emerging with a purpose, and I want to use what I’ve learned to help others. Life has taught me so much, and I’m excited to share that knowledge for good."
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