Julie Chen Moonves has opened up for the first time about her departure from The Talk in 2018, claiming that it was a decision made for her rather than entirely her choice. She described this period as incredibly challenging, feeling betrayed by the circumstances.
Chen Moonves left The Talk in September 2018 after hosting the show for eight years. Her departure came shortly after her husband, Les Moonves, was ousted from CBS due to allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, allegations he denied. At the time, Julie did not directly reference the allegations against her husband but instead stated that she needed more time at home with her family.
She had publicly supported her husband on social media during this period, describing him as a “good man” and “devoted husband.” However, her new audio memoir, “But First, God,” is the first time she has shared the story behind her exit. The memoir chronicles her spiritual journey following the scandal and how it has transformed her as a person.
Julie Chen Moonves explained that her faith has helped her reconcile her feelings about her departure from The Talk. She believes that she has changed significantly, moving from being self-absorbed and career-focused to someone who wants to help others and approach life with a softer heart.
Regarding the allegations against her husband, she stated that she asked him about them at the time and still stands by his denial. She also discussed how she had to explain the situation to their son, Charlie, emphasizing the importance of trust within their family.
When asked about not addressing the #MeToo and #BelieveHer movements in her book, Chen Moonves redirected the conversation to the central theme of her memoir, which is her personal relationship with God and the peace and hope she found through it. She wants others to experience the same transformation and spiritual connection she has discovered.
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In November of a previous year, CBS and Les Moonves reached a settlement with the New York attorney general’s office, agreeing to pay $30.5 million. While there was no admission of liability, the settlement acknowledged that CBS executives had worked to conceal sexual assault allegations against Les Moonves. Les Moonves himself had to pay $2.5 million to stockholders as part of this agreement.
