Television September 14, 2018
Julie Chen’s 'Big Brother' Return — How She Stood by Les Moonves
While Julie Chen hasn't appeared on “The Talk” since her husband Leslie Moonves left CBS, she is back on “Big Brother.”
On Thursday, Chen didn't address her husband's exit amid allegations of sexual misconduct, but showed her support for him in her sign-off by saying, “From outside the 'Big Brother' house… I'm Julie Chen Moonves. Good night.”
Julie also tweeted a pic of her hands holding "Big Brother" cards in which her wedding ring was visible.
Earlier this week, Chen revealed that she was “taking a few days off from 'The Talk' to be with my family.”
In response to her absence, “The Talk” co-host Sharon Osbourne admitted, “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.”
'The Talk' Absence: Julie Chen’s First Words After Husband Leslie Moonves’ CBS Exit
View Story“It's very embarrassing and upsetting to have to talk about her husband,” Sharon added. “But now, after seven more women have come out these stories that are so similar, the pattern is so similar, that for me, he's not been convicted of any crime but obviously the man has a problem. Mr. Moonves can step down, and Mr. Moonves is an extremely wealthy man, and good luck to him. He's worked very hard and made this network number one.”
Sara Gilbert gave her two cents, saying, “I agree; Julie is our friend… This is our ninth season, and we've been together since the beginning. I love her and support her always. However, this is an important time in our culture, and just because this hits close to home doesn't change the story.”
Over the weekend, Moonves stepped down as the CEO and chairman of CBS as the result of 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 stood by Moonves after the allegations, tweeting, “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.”