Julie Chen did not appear on the season premiere of CBS’ “The Talk” just one day after her husband, Les Moonves, resigned as CEO of the media company.
Moonves was ousted from CBS Corp. on Sunday after a dozen women accused him of sexual harassment and sexual assault. (RELATED: CBS’ Moonves Resigning Just Hours After Explosive New Report)
Chen addressed her absence from the show in a statement, however she did not specifically address the allegations against her husband.
“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,’” Chen said.
In the latest round of allegations published on Sunday morning in The New Yorker, multiple women claim Moonves forced them to perform oral sex on him. The CBS board was reportedly in the midst of negotiating a $100 million departure settlement with Moonves, however it is unclear if that money is still on the table after his resignation.
“The Talk” still brought up the accusations on the program Monday despite Chen’s absence. Cohost Sharon Osbourne explained, “It’s a very bittersweet day for a Season 9. We’re about to talk about something that affects everyone’s lives at CBS.”
Cohost Sara Gilbert added, “All women’s stories, and these women’s stories, matter. This is very serious, and the appropriate actions need to take place. I am happy when women are heard because for a long time, they haven’t been.”
Chen stood by Moonves in July when the allegations first broke, stating, “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.”
