Julie Chen leaves 'The Talk'

SCREEN CAPTURE / CBS

Panelists on 'The Talk' just viewed the videotape of Julie Chen's statement.

ASAM NEWS

JULIE CHEN, still hurting from Les Moonves’ forced resignation as CEO of CBS following allegations of sexual harassment, announced on the show today (Sept. 18) that she is leaving The Talk.

The veteran host and newscaster did not appear on the show in person, but made the announcement following the resignation of her husband through a videotaped message which she also tweeted to her fans.

“I have been at The Talk since the day it started nine years ago … we have become a family, but right now I need to spend more time at home with my husband and our young son,” Chen said from the set of Big Brother, a show she has also co-hosted since its debut in 2000.

The decision allows Chen to avoid the awkward situation on The Talk where she would be expected to address her husband’s ouster.

Immediately following  Moonves' resignation more than a week ago, Chen announced she would be taking a few days off from the daytime program. Co-hosts Sharon Osbourne and Sara Gilbert expressed sympathy and support for Chen while she was gone, but also seem to indicate their support for the network’s decision to push Moonves out.

In her taped message, Chen also directed a message to the other women on the show.

“I know this show and the sisterhood it stands for will live on for many years – ladies, you’ve got this and I am proud to call you my friends,” Chen said. “I love you.”

The Talk features a number of outspoken woman talking about the issues of the day. Chen is largely considered the lead host of the program and arguably the show’s biggest name. She has been on The Talk since it launched in 2010. Gilbert and Osbourne have also been on the program since the beginning.

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