The women of the CBS talk show “The Talk” tackled the new round of sexual misconduct allegations against now-former CBS CEO Leslie Moonves on Monday’s live season premiere, discussing the downfall of their boss and the husband of their co-host Julie Chen.
“Julie has always been there for me. She’s been a friend, she’s somebody who I admire and respect greatly,” Sharon Osbourne said, introducing the segment. “And it’s very embarrassing and upsetting to have to talk about her husband, but we do. We feel it’s right.”
Chen, who has been married to Moonves since 2004, did not appear on Monday’s season premiere. In a statement released minutes before the episode, the longtime CBS host said she would be “taking a few days off from ‘The Talk’ to be with my family.”
CBS announced Sunday that Moonves would exit the company after 15 years in response to new allegations of sexual misconduct from six women in the New Yorker. More than 12 women have now accused Moonves of various kinds unwanted sexual contact in separate incidents ranging from the late 1980s through the early 2000s.
Osbourne said she only knew Moonves in “a superficial way,” despite their professional relationship and his marriage to her co-host, but after reading all of the allegations, a pattern of behavior became apparent.
“The pattern is so similar that for me, [even though] he’s not been convicted of any crime, obviously the man has a problem,” she said.
“I agree Julie is our friend … I love her, I support her always,” said Gilbert, who was holding back tears while she spoke. “However, this is an important time in our culture and just because this hits close to home, it doesn’t change the story. All women’s stories matter.”
“I support Julie and I’m praying for her and praying for her family, and just sending her strength because it’s really, really hard,” added Eve.
Chen is not expected to be on the next several episodes of “The Talk,” but is still scheduled to host Thursday’s episode of “Big Brother.”
When the first round of allegations against Moonves were published back in July, Chen stood by her husband, calling him a “good man” in a statement posted to Twitter.
“I have known my husband, Leslie Moonves, since the late ’90s, and I have been married to him for almost 14 years,” Chen wrote at the time. “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.”
An investigation by two different law firms into the various accusations against Moonves and other senior CBS officials is still underway, and any potential Moonves severance pay is pending the results. The company announced that $20 million of any severance would be donated to #MeToo-related organizations.
“Somebody who has just broken somebody’s life like that has to be held accountable,” said Osbourne.”Why is it that when men get power it goes to their testicles?”