Television September 10, 2018
'The Talk' Absence: Julie Chen’s First Words After Husband Leslie Moonves’ CBS Exit
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A day after husband Leslie Moonves left CBS, Julie Chen was missing from the season premiere of her show “The Talk.”
In a statement obtained by “Extra,” Julie said, “I am taking a few days off from 'The Talk' to be with my family. I will be back soon and will see you Thursday night on 'Big Brother.'”
Fellow host Sharon Osbourne started off the show, admitting, “It's a very bittersweet day for a Season 9. We're about to talk about something that affects everyone's lives at CBS. I've never been nervous in my life, and I'm very nervous right now. As you all know, Julie's husband is in the news, and she's taking off time to be with her family.”
Moonves stepped down as the CEO and chairman of CBS amidst sexual assault allegations, which he has cited as “untrue.” In his own statement, Moonves said, “For the past 24 years it has been an incredible privilege to lead CBS's renaissance and transformation into a leading global media company… Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am. I am deeply saddened to be leaving the company. I wish nothing but the best for the organization, the newly comprised board of directors and all of its employees."
In a recent New Yorker article by Ronan Farrow, six women came forward to accuse Moonves of sexual assault. Of the article, Moonves said, “The appalling accusations in this article are untrue. What is true is that I had consensual relations with three of the women some 25 years ago before I came to CBS. And I have never used my position to hinder the advancement or careers of women. In my 40 years of work, I have never before heard of such disturbing accusations. I can only surmise they are surfacing now for the first time, decades later, as part of a concerted effort by others to destroy my name, my reputation, and my career. Anyone who knows me knows that the person described in this article is not me."
In July, Chen acknowledged the allegations on “The Talk” on Twitter, saying, “I have known my husband, Leslie Moonves, since the late '90s, and I have been married to him for almost 14 years. Leslie is a good man and a loving father, devoted husband and inspiring corporate leader. He has always been a kind, decent and moral human being. I fully support my husband.”
