Television host Julie Chen Moonves, a prominent face on Big Brother since 2000, made headlines not only for her work but also for her choice to publicly support her husband, Les Moonves. In 2018, she added “Moonves” to her name on-air, a gesture that raised eyebrows and generated conversation around her relationship with her husband, who had recently faced allegations of workplace misconduct and sexual harassment. Here’s a closer look into why Julie Chen Moonves chose to adopt her husband’s surname and the motivations behind her decision.
Why Julie Chen Moonves Added “Moonves” to Her Name
Julie Chen Moonves married Les Moonves, the former CEO of CBS, in 2004. Despite her marriage, she originally chose to use only her maiden name professionally, feeling it important to maintain her own identity.
Speaking to Deadline, she explained her choice, noting, “It was a powerful, popular name to have. And I had made my own career prior to knowing him. So I wanted to keep that.” By retaining her maiden name, she hoped to show that her success came from her hard work and not from her association with a high-profile executive.
In September 2018, during an episode of Big Brother, Julie Chen Moonves made an unexpected decision to incorporate her husband’s last name. This move came as Les Moonves was stepping down from his CEO position at CBS following serious allegations.
For Chen Moonves, the choice to add his name was spontaneous and rooted in her desire to defend her husband. Reflecting on her thoughts at that moment, she recalled, “I was, like, toying with it and I remember my heart racing while I thought, ‘Am I gonna do it?’ It just became a moment.”
Her husband’s reaction was one of surprise, yet she felt that this symbolic gesture was a way to stand by him publicly.
Les Moonves’ Controversies and the #MeToo Movement
Les Moonves, a prominent figure in television, saw his career change dramatically in 2018 after multiple allegations surfaced. These allegations of workplace misconduct and sexual harassment brought an abrupt end to his long tenure at CBS. One accuser claimed that he tried to silence her by offering her a job at the network in exchange for her silence.
These allegations not only affected Moonves personally and professionally but also influenced how the public viewed Chen Moonves due to her relationship with him.
During this difficult time, Chen Moonves felt compelled to publicly align herself with her husband. She shared, “When his name was getting dragged through the mud, I thought, ‘This is the time to make my stand and to let the world know who I am.’”
Her choice to embrace his name was, to her, a sign of support for her husband. In her view, it was a way to remind the public of the man she knew beyond the allegations—a man she saw as fundamentally good.
Chen Moonves’ Career as a Resilient Host of Big Brother
Since 2000, Julie Chen Moonves has been the enduring host of Big Brother, a role she has maintained with grace and resilience even amid personal trials.
Her professional journey is a testament to her dedication to the show, its audience, and her career. Even when her husband’s scandal dominated headlines, she continued to fulfill her role, showcasing her strength and focus.
Chen Moonves’ choice to add “Moonves” was more than just a name change—it became a symbol of loyalty, family, and her perspective on standing by her loved ones.
By incorporating her husband’s surname, she openly showed the world her commitment to him, a choice that was both applauded and questioned by audiences and critics alike.
Public Reactions and Chen Moonves’ Statement of Support
The public’s response to Chen Moonves’ choice was mixed. Many admired her for her loyalty and her stance, while others questioned her decision to adopt the name of someone facing serious allegations.
However, Julie Chen Moonves made it clear that this was a personal decision rooted in love and support. In her own words, she said, “It was a sign of support for my husband. I know him. And he is a good man.”
In an era where public figures are often scrutinized for their associations, Chen Moonves’ decision to stand by her husband, even in his lowest moments, reflected her strong personal values. Her choice demonstrates how, in her eyes, love and family can transcend public opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Julie Chen Moonves initially keep her maiden name?
Julie Chen Moonves initially chose to keep her maiden name to assert her individual career accomplishments and avoid potential advantages associated with her husband’s high-profile position at CBS.
2. What made Chen Moonves decide to add her husband’s last name?
During a difficult period for her husband, she made a spontaneous decision to add “Moonves” to her name on Big Brother as a gesture of loyalty and public support.
3. When did Les Moonves leave CBS, and why?
Les Moonves stepped down as CEO of CBS in 2018 following allegations of workplace misconduct and sexual harassment. These allegations ultimately led to his departure from the company.
4. How long has Julie Chen Moonves hosted Big Brother?
Julie Chen Moonves has hosted Big Brother since its inception in 2000, making her one of the most recognized faces on the show.
5. What impact did the #MeToo movement have on Les Moonves?
The #MeToo movement played a significant role in amplifying allegations against Les Moonves, leading to his eventual resignation from CBS amid public scrutiny.
Conclusion
Julie Chen Moonves’ choice to stand by her husband by adding his name was a defining moment in her career and personal life. It underscored her values of loyalty and family, even as she navigated a difficult period.
By embracing her husband’s surname, she publicly declared her unwavering support in a way that resonated deeply with some and sparked conversation among others. As a respected television host, her decision reminds us that, for her, family loyalty and love remain at the forefront—even when faced with the pressures of public life.