Julie Chen Moonves: The Aftermath of Her Departure from The Talk and the Facelift That Followed

Julie Chen Moonves, a renowned TV personality, has recently released her new audiobook, “But First, God.” In this compelling memoir, she opens up in detail about the aftermath of her departure from the popular daytime series, The Talk, and the decision to undergo a facelift. At 53 years old, Chen Moonves felt robbed and wronged after leaving the show, where she had spent eight years as a moderator. Deeply hurt by the actions of people she once loved and trusted, she candidly expressed her feelings, stating, “They did me so dirty.”

Being in the entertainment industry, Chen Moonves acknowledges the pressure on women to maintain a youthful appearance. She bravely addresses society’s expectations of women in Hollywood, saying, “When you work in front of the television and you are a woman, you are expected to look young.” Aware that her career depended on her appearance, she made efforts to protect her skin from aging and even opted for cosmetic surgery if necessary.

Choosing to undergo a “lower facelift,” Chen Moonves shares that she wanted to look subtly different but not drastically so. She wanted to maintain the connection fans had with her through their screens. However, the facelift held a deeper meaning for her – it was a form of healing and a way to prove that no one could bring her down. In her own words, she explains, “These meanies can’t get me down. I’m gonna look so good when I come back on the air.” She humorously likens it to the concept of a “revenge body” often pursued by individuals after a breakup, but in her case, it was a “revenge face.”

The Unforeseen Consequences

Julie Chen Moonves thought the cosmetic surgery would appear subtle to her supporters and even her haters. She believed they would think she just looked “fabulous and rested.” Little did she know, however, that she would be caught by the paparazzi, leaving a doctor’s appointment completely unrecognizable and bandaged up like a mummy. This unforeseen consequence added another layer of unexpected attention to her decision.

A Husband’s Scandal, A Wife’s Support

Julie Chen Moonves’ departure from The Talk coincided with her husband’s, Les Moonves, removal from CBS. Les faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from more than a dozen women. Despite the scandal surrounding him, Chen Moonves publicly supported her husband, reiterating her belief in his character. Through a tweet in 2018, she praised him as a “kind, decent, and moral human being.” Describing him as a good man, loving father, and inspiring corporate leader, she stood by his side.

Revealing the Truth in “But First, God”

In her audiobook, “But First, God,” Julie Chen Moonves sheds more light on both hers and her husband’s departures, referring to herself as collateral damage. She hints that the decision to leave The Talk might not have been entirely her own. While she initially claimed that she wanted to spend more time at home with her husband in a video message announcing her departure, she now reveals additional factors and insights. The memoir allows a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding their exits from the show.

Despite the challenges, Chen Moonves continues to host CBS’ Big Brother, which recently began its 25th season in August. She has displayed resilience in the face of adversity, demonstrating her dedication to her career and her ability to rise above difficult situations.

Julie Chen Moonves’ story is a testament to the strength and determination it takes to navigate the entertainment industry. Her journey serves as inspiration for women facing similar challenges, empowering them to stand tall and embrace their authenticity amidst societal pressures.