Television host and producer Julie Chen is leaving “The Talk,” CBS’s daytime talk show, following her husband Les Moonves’s resignation as CEO of the television network, according to multiple reports.
Update 3:10 p.m. EDT Sept. 18: Chen confirmed her departure in a pre-recorded video aired Tuesday on "The Talk."
“I need to spend more time at home with my husband and our young son, so I’ve decided to leave ‘The Talk,’” Chen said in the video. “I love you all and I know this show and the sisterhood it stands for will live on for many, many, many more years to come.”
She did not directly address allegations against her husband, who has been accused by several women of sexual misconduct over a 30-year span.
Chen has co-hosted “The Talk” alongside actress Sara Gilbert and media personality Sharon Osbourne since the show premiered in October 2010. Comedian Sheryl Underwood and musician Eve also co-host the program.
Original report: It was not immediately clear when Chen planned to officially announce her departure. Citing an unidentified source, Page Six reported Monday that Chen would step down in the coming weeks. However, CNN reported that Chen was expected to announce her departure in a videotaped message to viewers Tuesday. The news network reported she will continue to act as host on the reality show "Big Brother."
"She 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," an unidentified person told CNN.
After 20 years with CBS, Moonves stepped down as the network's CEO earlier this month amid a slew of sexual misconduct allegations. At least a dozen women told The New Yorker they were sexually harassed or assaulted by Moonves.
Chen supported her husband after allegations first surfaced over the summer.
“Leslie is a good man and a loving father, devoted husband and inspiring corporate leader,” Chen said in a statement released in July. “He has always been a kind, decent and moral human being. I fully support my husband and stand behind him.”
Chen was absent for the season premiere of “The Talk,” which aired on Sept. 10, one day after her husband left CBS. In a statement, she said she would be off for a few days, but she did not address the allegations against her husband.
Chen has co-hosted “The Talk” alongside actress Sara Gilbert and media personality Sharon Osbourne since the show premiered in October 2010. Comedian Sheryl Underwood and musician Eve also co-host the program.
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