In an exclusive feature, Julie Chen Moonves opens up about her secrets to a robust marriage, six years after her husband, Leslie “Les” Moonves, faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Speaking to Page Six at Us Weekly’s recent Reality Stars of the Year event in Los Angeles, the beloved “Big Brother” host shared valuable insights on navigating marital challenges.
“What I’ve learned is that when you are certain you’re right, it’s not always the best strategy to dig your heels in,” Chen Moonves advised. She emphasized the importance of adopting a forgiving mindset and taking a moment to calm down, saying, “It’s better just to have a forgiving heart and think, ‘I’m gonna take a deep breath.’”
Chen Moonves, 54, urged couples to avoid raising their voices during disagreements, firmly stating, “Never yell.” Instead, she offered a simple yet profound piece of advice for resolving conflicts: “If you’re having a disagreement, tell your partner, ‘Because it makes me happy.’”
The couple, who tied the knot in December 2004, share a 15-year-old son, Charlie. Their relationship has been tested publicly, especially following the bombshell accusations against Moonves in July 2018. A New Yorker exposé unveiled claims from multiple women who described experiences of sexual assault and intimidation at his hands while he served as the chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation.
Despite the distressing circumstances, Julie Chen Moonves stood steadfast by her husband’s side, defending him publicly. After his abrupt exit from CBS in the wake of these allegations, she reiterated her commitment to their marriage, stating that the ordeal has ultimately brought their family closer.
Moonves, who had previously acknowledged that some of his actions might have made women uncomfortable, has always maintained that any encounters were consensual. In his own words, he expressed regret for past mistakes while insisting that he has never exploited his position to harm anyone.
In the ongoing fallout and scrutiny, Julie Chen Moonves has found strength in her faith, embracing Christianity to guide her through the turmoil. A source close to the couple suggested she remains convinced of her husband’s innocence, illustrating how their romance blossomed in the workplace, raising eyebrows about Moonves’ choice of partners.
As they continue to navigate the challenges presented by the scandal, Julie Chen Moonves remains vocal about the keys to building a resilient marriage, emphasizing that love, understanding, and a good heart are essential in overcoming adversity together.
