Julie Chen Reportedly Quitting ‘The Talk’ Amid Les Moonves Scandal
Julie Chen is, indeed, standing by her husband for better or worse — the longtime The Talk co-host is reportedly quitting the CBS show in light of reports that have accused Les Moonves, the chair and CEO of CBS, of sexual misconduct and harassment.
Chen, who's been a member of the show since its 2010 premiere, will leave by means of a prerecorded video segment, according to CNN, as to avoid having to confront her fellow panelists about the controversy. The group, which includes Sharon Osbourne, Sara Gilbert and Eve, has already discussed Moonves' ousting from CBS in recent weeks, and how Chen's marriage to Moonves has potentially affected her.
Chen has taken time off from The Talk since Ronan Farrow's explosive September 9 story on Moonves was published in The New Yorker, in which six women accused him of misconduct. Still, Chen will continue to host Big Brother, CNN says.
"[Chen] has decided that her main focus needs to be clearing her husband's name from accusations made 25-30 years ago and tending to her son," a source told the site.
Chen has previously tweeted support for her husband, noting: "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 and stand behind him and his statement."
Moonves has also denied the reports, calling them "untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am."