Billy Bush admits to committing 'bystander abuse' during infamous Trump 'Access Hollywood' tape

Billy Bush is finally opening up about being fired from the "Today" show after that shocking videotape leaked of his 2005 interview with Donald Trump for "Access Hollywood."

In the new issue of People, Bush revealed that he was left "ashamed and embarrassed" after the controversy, but has since taken to religion to help him come to terms with his new life.

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"I went through stages of grieving because I lost my career," Bush said. "For a man, that's the ultimate degradation."

Though Bush has no plans to return to entertainment journalism (he wants to focus on his spirits company Beach Whiskey), he does tease an upcoming project that will shed light on "his journey."

"I have a plan to make this mess my message," he explained. "I know I'm coming out with a purpose. And I want to use what I know to help other people."

See photos of Billy Bush:

Bush said that he has had many "dark moments" since being fired in the fall of 2016, and the experience completely changed his demeanor for a while before he was able to bounce back through "self-help work" and daily Bible readings.

"I was a happy-go-lucky guy," the father of three daughters said. "Everything is going great and I was like, 'Hey, this is awesome!' And then, kaboom!"

"There is a term for what I did," Bush added of the "Access" interview, during which Trump bragged about groping women and Bush laughed along with his comments. "It's called bystander abuse. It says by not doing anything, you are endorsing the moment. I have to life with that."

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At the end of the day, Bush has been able to twist his public disgracing into a positive experience and has allowed himself to learn from it.

"I had some growing up to do anyway in life," he added. "I did so much exploring and figuring out. I'm a deeper person. And Im happy about using my knowledge for a good purpose."

See photos of Billy Bush and his wife together:

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