The Release of the Access Hollywood Tape - October 7, 2016

On October 7, 2016, The Washington Post released a video that would become a pivotal moment in the 2016 United States presidential election. The footage, known as the “Access Hollywood tape,” featured a conversation from 2005 between Donald Trump, then a businessman and reality TV star, and Billy Bush, a television host. The tape captured Trump making lewd and derogatory remarks about women, which sparked widespread controversy and had significant implications for his presidential campaign.

Context and Content

• Background: The conversation was recorded on a bus while Trump and Bush were on their way to film a segment for the entertainment news program “Access Hollywood.” At the time, Trump was the star of the reality TV show “The Apprentice.”

• Remarks: In the tape, Trump is heard boasting about his ability to make unsolicited advances on women due to his celebrity status, including the infamous line about grabbing women inappropriately. The language used was explicit and objectifying, causing immediate backlash.

Immediate Impact

• Political Fallout: The release of the tape came just a month before the 2016 presidential election, where Trump was the Republican nominee running against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The timing of the release intensified its impact, leading to a media firestorm.

• Reactions: The tape drew condemnation from both sides of the political aisle. Many Republican leaders and elected officials distanced themselves from Trump, with some withdrawing their endorsements. Prominent figures, including House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senator John McCain, expressed their disapproval.

• Public Apology: In response to the backlash, Trump issued a rare public apology, describing his comments as “locker room talk” and stating that he regretted the words used. Despite the apology, the incident remained a focal point of criticism throughout the remainder of the campaign.

Broader Historical Significance

• Gender and Politics: The release of the tape brought issues of gender, power, and respect to the forefront of the political discourse. It highlighted the broader societal conversations about sexual harassment and the treatment of women, which would continue to gain momentum in subsequent years, notably with the #MeToo movement.

• Election Outcome: Despite the controversy, Trump maintained a strong base of support and went on to win the presidential election. The incident underscored the deep political and cultural divides in the United States, as well as the complexities of voter priorities and decision-making.

• Legacy: The Access Hollywood tape remains a significant moment in modern political history, illustrating the impact of media and personal conduct on political campaigns. It also serves as a case study in crisis management and the resilience of political figures in the face of scandal.

The release of the Access Hollywood tape on October 7, 2016, was a defining moment in the 2016 presidential election, with lasting implications for American politics and society.