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Late Monday night and early Tuesday, reports flew that longtime The Talk co-host Julie Chen would be exiting the show following her husband, Les Moonves ousting as the chairman and CEO of CBS.
As the rumors suggested, during the Tuesday, September 18 episode of the show, Chen addressed her departure in a videotaped message to viewers. “I have been at The Talk since the day it started nine years ago, and the cast, crew and staff have become family to me over the years. Right now I need to spend more time at home with my husband and our young son,” she said. “So I’ve decided to leave The Talk.”
She continued, “I want to thank everyone at the show for the wonderful years together, I will always cherish the memories we shared. Most important I want to thank you, the viewers, for allowing me into your home everyday. It was a privilege I will forever be grateful for.”
She concluded, “I know this show and the sisterhood it stands for will live on for many, many years to come.”
After the video finished playing, Sheryl Underwood was seen crying as Sara Gilbert said goodbye to Chen on behalf of the women.
“For eight seasons, Julie Chen has co-hosted THE TALK with incredible energy, grace and professionalism,” CBS said in a statement. “Her talents played a big role in our successful launch of CBS’ first network daytime talk show, and in the series growth into an Emmy Award-winning broadcast. All of us here have tremendous appreciation for the dedication and passion she brought to the show every day and for her generous role as an ambassador for CBS Daytime. We are grateful for her many other contributions, respect her decision wish Julie all the best in everything she does.”
Although Chen left The Talk, she confirmed she will continue to host CBS’ reality series Big Brother.
As previously reported, Chen’s departure came after her husband was fired from the network following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by several women in a piece in The New Yorker. Although Moonves admitted to behaving “inappropriately” in the past, he is denying all the claims.
Chen and Moonves have been married since 2004 and share one son together, 8-year-old Charlie, and she has vowed to stand by and defend her husband through these allegations.
Check out Julie Chen’s full message here.
Telisa Carter
Telisa enjoys learning and writing about all things entertainment in the world of Hollywood. When she isn't catching up on her favorite TV shows, she likes to read, and obsess over all things football.