Julie Chenis speaking out about thesexual misconduct allegationsmade against her husband, CBS CEO Leslie Moonves.
“I have known my husband, Leslie Moonves, since the late ’90s, and I have been married to him for almost 14 years. Leslie is a good man and a loving father, devoted husband and inspiring corporate leader,” she tweeted.
“He has always been a kind, decent and moral human being,” she continued. “I fully support my husband and stand behind him and his statement.”
“Six women who had professional dealings with him told me that … Moonves sexually harassed them. Four described forcible touching or kissing during business meetings, in what they said appeared to be a practiced routine. Two told me that Moonves physically intimidated them or threatened to derail their careers,” Farrow writes in his piece. “All said that he became cold or hostile after they rejected his advances, and that they believed their careers suffered as a result.”
In a statement toThe New Yorker, Moonves admitted to acting inappropriately in the past.
Chen, 48, and Moonves, 68, married in 2004 and share 8-year-old son Charlie. The CBS executive was previously married to Nancy Wiesenfeld.
Chen is the host ofBig Brotherand one of the cohosts ofThe Talk,both of which air on CBS.
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Julie Chen and Leslie Moonves
TheCBS board issued a statementto CNBC, writing, “All allegations of personal misconduct are to be taken seriously.”
“The Independent Directors of CBS have committed to investigating claims that violate the Company’s clear policies in that regard. Upon the conclusion of that investigation, which involves recently reported allegations that go back several decades, the Board will promptly review the findings and take appropriate action,” the statement reads.
Reps for Moonves, CBS, Farrow andThe New Yorkerdid not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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Leslie Moonves
Moonves has been in a legal battle with Shari Redstone, the controlling shareholder in both CBS and Viacom. CBS sued her over her decision to merge CBS with the Redstone family-controlled trust, National Amusements Inc. She, in turn, sued Moonves claiming he didn’t have the right to strip her control of the network.
“The timing of this report comes in the midst of the Company’s very public legal dispute,” CBS’s statement to CNBC acknowledged. “While that litigation process continues, the CBS management team has the full support of the independent board members. Along with that time, we will continue to focus on creating value for our shareholders.”
Farrow was the man behind some of the original reports that helped uncover the sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein (all of which he denies). For that report, Farrow was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
source: people.com
