Billy Bush suspended from NBC after release of Donald Trump audio

Today Show anchor Billy Bush has been suspended by NBC "pending further review" after he received criticism for a 2005 tape in which he had a vulgar conversation with Donald Trump.

Bush, who was on an Access Hollywood bus with Trump, could be heard talking about a woman who appears to be actress Arianne Zucker.

Noah Oppenheim, the NBC executive in charge of Today, wrote this internal memo to the employees:

"I know we've all been deeply troubled by the revelations of the past 48 hours. Let me be clear — there is simply no excuse for Billy's language and behavior on that tape. NBC has decided to suspend Billy, pending further review of this matter."

The recording was published by the Washington Post.

"Sheesh, your girl's hot as shit. In the purple. Whoa, the Donald is good! Whoa, my man!" Bush is heard saying.

Later, Bush apparently says in the 2005 tape: "Oof, get out of the way, honey. Oh, that's good legs. Go ahead."

Trump and Bush are then greeted when they get off the bus by Zucker, who escorts them onto the set of Days of Our Lives.

Trump had a promotional cameo on the show that day. There were seven others on the bus besides Trump and Bush, including the camera crew, a bus driver and Trump's staff, according to Access Hollywood.

Bush apologised with a statement after the video emerged online: "Obviously I'm embarrassed and ashamed. 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," he said.

BONUS: Watch Trump lurk behind Clinton during the debate