Julie Chen leaves 'The Talk'

SCREEN CAPTURE / CBS

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

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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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Julie Chen missing after new her husband resigns from CBS amid sexual misconduct allegations

SCREEN CAPTURE / CBS

Co-hosts of 'The Talk' couldn't help but talk about their missing co-host Julie Chen and her husband Les Moonves.

TELEVISION HOST  Julie Chen is taking time off from The Talk after her husband, Les Moonves, resigned from the top job at CBS following sexual harassment allegations, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Chen did not appear on the Season 9 premiere today (Aug. 10, Monday) of the popular daytime talk show.

“I am taking a few days off from The Talk to be with my family. I will be back soon and will see you Thursday night on Big Brother,” she said in a statement.

RELATED: Chen's career may be affected

Her absence was the talk of The Talk, however awkward that might have been for Chen’s co-hosts.

“I want to say that whatever times I’ve had of hardship over the past eight years, Julie has always been there for me,” said Sharon Osbourne. “She’s been a friend. She’s been someone who I admire and respect greatly. It’s very embarrassing and upsetting to have to talk about her husband, but we do. We feel it’s right,” Variety reported she said.

Fellow co-host Sara Gilbert elaborated further.

“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, and these women’s stories, matter. This is very serious, and the appropriate actions need to take place. I am happy when women are heard because for a long time, they haven’t been,” she said.

SCREEN CAPTURE / CBS

When sexual misconduct allegations first arose about her husband, Julie Chen showed up to work on 'The Talk.'

The Hollywood Reporter reports Obsourne has exchanged messages with Moonves since the controversy broke.

That didn’t stop her from being blunt.

“Why is it that when men get power, it goes to their testicles? I do not know why, but it’s true,” she said.

Moonves on Sunday night called the allegations “untrue” and that he is “deeply saddened” to leave the company.

His buyout is a reported $100 million, according to CNBC.

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