The Los Angeles Ethics Commission has approved a $15,000 settlement by the city with Les Moonves, the former president and CEO of CBS who conspired with a now-retired LAPD captain to prevent an explosive sexual assault allegation from going public.
The settlement, passed Wednesday, represents the maximum amount Moonves could’ve been charged in an administrative enforcement matter. In considering the penalty, the commission said that he cooperated with staff in the investigation and saved resources by agreeing to the deal while also noting that the “violations in this case are extremely serious” and “deliberate.”
Moonves “admits that he violated City law by aiding and abetting the disclosure and misuse of confidential information and by inducing a City official to misuse his position to attempt to create a private advantage” for the executive, the settlement read.
Approval of the deal follows the commission in February unanimously voting to reject the proposed agreement.
The settlement, passed Wednesday, represents the maximum amount Moonves could’ve been charged in an administrative enforcement matter. In considering the penalty, the commission said that he cooperated with staff in the investigation and saved resources by agreeing to the deal while also noting that the “violations in this case are extremely serious” and “deliberate.”
Moonves “admits that he violated City law by aiding and abetting the disclosure and misuse of confidential information and by inducing a City official to misuse his position to attempt to create a private advantage” for the executive, the settlement read.
Approval of the deal follows the commission in February unanimously voting to reject the proposed agreement.
- 4/17/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated, April 17, 2:11 Pm: Les Moonves has settled his debts with the City of Los Angeles, at least financially.
In a meeting of L.A.’s Ethics Commission on Wednesday afternoon, the body voted for a second time on a payout from the multimillionaire former CBS boss. Unlike the February 21 meeting, this time the proposed settlement passed.
“The members of the Ethics Commission approved the stipulation and ordered Leslie Moonves to pay a fine of $15,000 to the City of Los Angeles in accordance with the terms of the stipulation,” said the order (read it here) signed off on by the commissioners.
“Moonves, who is represented in this matter by Andrew J. Levander and Hartley M.K. West of Dechert Llp, admits that he violated City law by aiding and abetting the disclosure and misuse of confidential information and by inducing a City official to misuse his position to attempt to...
In a meeting of L.A.’s Ethics Commission on Wednesday afternoon, the body voted for a second time on a payout from the multimillionaire former CBS boss. Unlike the February 21 meeting, this time the proposed settlement passed.
“The members of the Ethics Commission approved the stipulation and ordered Leslie Moonves to pay a fine of $15,000 to the City of Los Angeles in accordance with the terms of the stipulation,” said the order (read it here) signed off on by the commissioners.
“Moonves, who is represented in this matter by Andrew J. Levander and Hartley M.K. West of Dechert Llp, admits that he violated City law by aiding and abetting the disclosure and misuse of confidential information and by inducing a City official to misuse his position to attempt to...
- 4/17/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
NCIS star Cote De Pablo shocked many when she decided to exit the long-running series. But there was a silver-lining she quickly experienced not too long after her departure.
Cote De Pablo once opened up on leaving ‘NCIS’ Cote De Pablo | Paul Archuleta/Getty Images
Perhaps De Pablo leaving NCIS came as much of a surprise for her as it did for the show’s fans. She was introduced to audiences as special agent Ziva David in the hit series as a guest character before graduating quickly to a main role. Although she left the series amicably, it was asserted that the show’s network tried very hard to keep her on the show. To the point where they even tried bumping up her salary.
“I really want to clarify: We offered Cote de Pablo a lot of money — and then we offered her even more money,” CBS president at...
Cote De Pablo once opened up on leaving ‘NCIS’ Cote De Pablo | Paul Archuleta/Getty Images
Perhaps De Pablo leaving NCIS came as much of a surprise for her as it did for the show’s fans. She was introduced to audiences as special agent Ziva David in the hit series as a guest character before graduating quickly to a main role. Although she left the series amicably, it was asserted that the show’s network tried very hard to keep her on the show. To the point where they even tried bumping up her salary.
“I really want to clarify: We offered Cote de Pablo a lot of money — and then we offered her even more money,” CBS president at...
- 3/14/2024
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paramount was a no-show on Oscars Sunday with just two nominations (sound and visual effects for “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning”) and no wins, but for president and CEO Bob Bakish, Monday is no better.
This morning, media analyst Rich Greenfield of LightShed Partners published a blistering open letter to Paramount controller Shari Redstone: “Dear Shari: Why You Must Fire Bob Bakish to Save Paramount.” Here we go.
Greenfield said Bakish was the man for the job… in 2016, when Viacom and CBS were still split (and Les Moonves had the top job at CBS a job). But with the creation of Paramount Global (fka ViacomCBS), Bakish made the “critical mistake” — Greenfield’s words — of getting wrapped up in the streaming wars.
The mistake, according to Greenfield, was creating Paramount+. By attempting to reinvent niche service CBS All Access as a Netflix competitor, Paramount+ may have created a “mountain of entertainment.
This morning, media analyst Rich Greenfield of LightShed Partners published a blistering open letter to Paramount controller Shari Redstone: “Dear Shari: Why You Must Fire Bob Bakish to Save Paramount.” Here we go.
Greenfield said Bakish was the man for the job… in 2016, when Viacom and CBS were still split (and Les Moonves had the top job at CBS a job). But with the creation of Paramount Global (fka ViacomCBS), Bakish made the “critical mistake” — Greenfield’s words — of getting wrapped up in the streaming wars.
The mistake, according to Greenfield, was creating Paramount+. By attempting to reinvent niche service CBS All Access as a Netflix competitor, Paramount+ may have created a “mountain of entertainment.
- 3/12/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Hilary Swank is addressing former CBS chairman and CEO Les Moonves.
The 49-year-old actress discussing the exec dissing her as “too half-hour” to star in one of his network dramas while talking to Rob Lowe on his Literally! podcast.
During the interview, she recalled a moment early in her career, which Rob said was one of his “favorite Hilary memories.”
Keep reading to find out more…
Hilary had been auditioning for a role on an hour-long CBS pilot, and when it was between her and one other actress, Les dismissed her and chose to cast the other actress.
“He said, yeah, ‘You’re just too half-hour.’ Not even funny. He didn’t even say I was funny or comedic. I was too half hour,” she said.
Rob described it as being labelled “too multi-camera,” or a sitcom actress.
But had this not happened, she wouldn’t have gone on to...
The 49-year-old actress discussing the exec dissing her as “too half-hour” to star in one of his network dramas while talking to Rob Lowe on his Literally! podcast.
During the interview, she recalled a moment early in her career, which Rob said was one of his “favorite Hilary memories.”
Keep reading to find out more…
Hilary had been auditioning for a role on an hour-long CBS pilot, and when it was between her and one other actress, Les dismissed her and chose to cast the other actress.
“He said, yeah, ‘You’re just too half-hour.’ Not even funny. He didn’t even say I was funny or comedic. I was too half hour,” she said.
Rob described it as being labelled “too multi-camera,” or a sitcom actress.
But had this not happened, she wouldn’t have gone on to...
- 3/3/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The Los Angeles Ethics Commission has unanimously voted to reject the proposed settlement by the city with Les Moonves, the former president and CEO of CBS.
The settlement, made public last week, stated that Moonves tried to influence now-retired LAPD Captain Cory Palka amid a sexual assault investigation against the executive. The legal documents noted that Moonves agreed to pay an $11,250 fine on Feb. 5 for violating the city’s ethics code.
Moonves “admits that he violated City law by aiding and abetting the disclosure and misuse of confidential information and by inducing a City official to misuse his position to attempt to create a private advantage for Moonves,” the settlement read, which is why they recommend “settling this case by approving the stipulated order.”
However, the Ethics Commission, including all four commissioners, voted down the proposed settlement, 4-0. It’s not immediately clear how the case will proceed. The city...
The settlement, made public last week, stated that Moonves tried to influence now-retired LAPD Captain Cory Palka amid a sexual assault investigation against the executive. The legal documents noted that Moonves agreed to pay an $11,250 fine on Feb. 5 for violating the city’s ethics code.
Moonves “admits that he violated City law by aiding and abetting the disclosure and misuse of confidential information and by inducing a City official to misuse his position to attempt to create a private advantage for Moonves,” the settlement read, which is why they recommend “settling this case by approving the stipulated order.”
However, the Ethics Commission, including all four commissioners, voted down the proposed settlement, 4-0. It’s not immediately clear how the case will proceed. The city...
- 2/22/2024
- by Carly Thomas and Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Les Moonves, the former president and CEO of CBS, tried to influence now-retired LAPD Captain Cory Palka amid a sexual assault investigation against the executive, new documents from the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission found.
The legal documents, made public on Friday and obtained by NBC4, revealed that Moonves agreed to pay an $11,250 fine on Feb. 5 for violating the city’s ethics code by “inducing” a city official to misuse his position for Moonves’ benefit.
The Ethics Commission found that Palka — who was the commanding officer of the Hollywood Division in 2017 — personally gave Moonves confidential information about the sexual assault probe after a former employee filed a report against him in late 2017.
Palka met with the CBS executive on Nov. 25, 2017, at a Westlake Village restaurant to share case information, according to the ethics investigation. “They met for about an hour and discussed the LAPD investigation,” the summary read. “The meeting...
The legal documents, made public on Friday and obtained by NBC4, revealed that Moonves agreed to pay an $11,250 fine on Feb. 5 for violating the city’s ethics code by “inducing” a city official to misuse his position for Moonves’ benefit.
The Ethics Commission found that Palka — who was the commanding officer of the Hollywood Division in 2017 — personally gave Moonves confidential information about the sexual assault probe after a former employee filed a report against him in late 2017.
Palka met with the CBS executive on Nov. 25, 2017, at a Westlake Village restaurant to share case information, according to the ethics investigation. “They met for about an hour and discussed the LAPD investigation,” the summary read. “The meeting...
- 2/17/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon Cryer has proved himself a marketable quantity in the network sitcom game, a success most recently reflected in his starring role on the new NBC and Peacock show “Extended Family.”
Cryer, in an interview on the “Wtf With Marc Maron” podcast, recalled a key effort that helped cement that status — his part on the hit Charlie Sheen-starring sitcom “Two and a Half Men.”
Cryer said he remembered how Sheen’s role came together and how CBS played a big part.
“CBS wanted Charlie Sheen on the air so badly, and you could sense that,” Cryer said. “Based on, he had done ‘Spin City’ for a couple of seasons, and everybody was like, ‘Wow, he’s really good.’ Cause he took over for Michael J. Fox, and everybody said, ‘That is a bad idea.’ And then he turned out to be good on the show, with a totally different character.
Cryer, in an interview on the “Wtf With Marc Maron” podcast, recalled a key effort that helped cement that status — his part on the hit Charlie Sheen-starring sitcom “Two and a Half Men.”
Cryer said he remembered how Sheen’s role came together and how CBS played a big part.
“CBS wanted Charlie Sheen on the air so badly, and you could sense that,” Cryer said. “Based on, he had done ‘Spin City’ for a couple of seasons, and everybody was like, ‘Wow, he’s really good.’ Cause he took over for Michael J. Fox, and everybody said, ‘That is a bad idea.’ And then he turned out to be good on the show, with a totally different character.
- 1/30/2024
- by Jeremy Bailey
- The Wrap
The Hollywood Reporter has landed 46 nominations for the 16th National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, including best entertainment publication and best website.
In addition, Rebecca Keegan was nominated for print journalist of the year, Katie Kilkenny online journalist of the year, Daniel Fienberg for best television critic and Mesfin Fekadu for best online columnist.
In the celebrity investigation category, Kim Masters was nominated for her exposé “What Really Happened With Fred Savage on the Wonder Years” and Lacey Rose and Kilkenny for their industry-shaking story “Inside the Implosion of Justin Roiland’s Animation Empire.”
Two THR stories were nominated in the entertainment industry/arts investigative category, with Gary Baum nominated for “How Les Moonves and His CBS Loyalists Worked to Discredit Accuser: ‘It Was Sort of a Mafia Culture’”; and Samuel Braslow and Kim Masters nominated for “‘Hiding in Plain Sight’: After Being Fired From ‘Scrubs’ for Misconduct, Alleged Rapist Eric Weinberg Kept Working.
In addition, Rebecca Keegan was nominated for print journalist of the year, Katie Kilkenny online journalist of the year, Daniel Fienberg for best television critic and Mesfin Fekadu for best online columnist.
In the celebrity investigation category, Kim Masters was nominated for her exposé “What Really Happened With Fred Savage on the Wonder Years” and Lacey Rose and Kilkenny for their industry-shaking story “Inside the Implosion of Justin Roiland’s Animation Empire.”
Two THR stories were nominated in the entertainment industry/arts investigative category, with Gary Baum nominated for “How Les Moonves and His CBS Loyalists Worked to Discredit Accuser: ‘It Was Sort of a Mafia Culture’”; and Samuel Braslow and Kim Masters nominated for “‘Hiding in Plain Sight’: After Being Fired From ‘Scrubs’ for Misconduct, Alleged Rapist Eric Weinberg Kept Working.
- 11/2/2023
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A former 60 Minutes producer claims she was falsely fired from the long running newsmagazine show last year, and now she’s suing CBS, CBS News and parent company Paramount Global for discrimination – and naming a lot of names.
In a vast ranging complaint filed today in federal court in New York, Alexandra Poolos says she was axed from 60 Minutes in early 2022 after 10 award winning years because an allegedly untruthful and self-serving colleague accused her of being too aggressive in the workplace. Poolos and her Vladeck, Raskin & Clark P.C. lawyers assert she was stitched up due to the “sexism and misogyny that “defined” CBS News, and the network wanted to get rid of her for raising concerns about the behavior of others at the organization.
“CBS has a long history of shielding men from answering for their misconduct, including unlawful conduct,” the 46-page filing bluntly states, naming ex-ceo Les Moonves,...
In a vast ranging complaint filed today in federal court in New York, Alexandra Poolos says she was axed from 60 Minutes in early 2022 after 10 award winning years because an allegedly untruthful and self-serving colleague accused her of being too aggressive in the workplace. Poolos and her Vladeck, Raskin & Clark P.C. lawyers assert she was stitched up due to the “sexism and misogyny that “defined” CBS News, and the network wanted to get rid of her for raising concerns about the behavior of others at the organization.
“CBS has a long history of shielding men from answering for their misconduct, including unlawful conduct,” the 46-page filing bluntly states, naming ex-ceo Les Moonves,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Jonathan Dolgen, the tough-minded dealmaker and skillful numbers-cruncher who spent a decade at Viacom working for Sumner Redstone and alongside Paramount Pictures head Sherry Lansing, has died. He was 78.
Dolgen died Monday evening of natural causes at UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his family, a publicist announced. He had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in 2012.
A native of Queens and a former Wall Street lawyer, Dolgen also held top positions at Columbia Pictures, Fox and Sony Pictures before becoming the first top executive recruited by Redstone for the newly merged entertainment conglomerate forged by Viacom’s $8.2 billion purchase of Paramount Communications.
“I had known Dolgen off and on over the years when I was a motion picture exhibitor, even before I gained control of Viacom,” Redstone recalled in his 2001 book, Passion to Win. “He was with Columbia Pictures, and I remember sitting with him in one particular meeting that became rather heated and thinking,...
Dolgen died Monday evening of natural causes at UCLA Medical Center surrounded by his family, a publicist announced. He had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in 2012.
A native of Queens and a former Wall Street lawyer, Dolgen also held top positions at Columbia Pictures, Fox and Sony Pictures before becoming the first top executive recruited by Redstone for the newly merged entertainment conglomerate forged by Viacom’s $8.2 billion purchase of Paramount Communications.
“I had known Dolgen off and on over the years when I was a motion picture exhibitor, even before I gained control of Viacom,” Redstone recalled in his 2001 book, Passion to Win. “He was with Columbia Pictures, and I remember sitting with him in one particular meeting that became rather heated and thinking,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
David Letterman says he never told Les Moonves to look for someone to replace him on “The Late Show,” contrary to a conversation Stephen Colbert had with the former CBS head. The two late night legends cleared the air about the murky bit of TV history on the latest episode of the “Strike Force Five” podcast.
According to Colbert, who took over “The Late Show” in 2015, his manager told him in November 2013 that Moonves wanted to meet with him in his Park Avenue apartment.
“He starts talking about how he likes [‘The Colbert Report’], and they’re thinking about 11:30 and what they’re going to do after you,” Colbert told Letterman. “I said, ‘I need to just stop right here and say that’s lovely you would want to talk to me. This was never in the plan for me. But if we’re really going to have this conversation,...
According to Colbert, who took over “The Late Show” in 2015, his manager told him in November 2013 that Moonves wanted to meet with him in his Park Avenue apartment.
“He starts talking about how he likes [‘The Colbert Report’], and they’re thinking about 11:30 and what they’re going to do after you,” Colbert told Letterman. “I said, ‘I need to just stop right here and say that’s lovely you would want to talk to me. This was never in the plan for me. But if we’re really going to have this conversation,...
- 9/29/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Although NCIS was well-liked from the get-go, not even an elite investigation could have foreseen the show becoming a hit that would span decades and launch a franchise.
It began in spring 2003 as a backdoor pilot for CBS’ sturdy military-law procedural Jag. Co-created by Jag mastermind Donald P. Bellisario (Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap) and Don McGill (Numbers, CSI), NCIS follows special agents from D.C.’s Naval Criminal Investigative Service, led by Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The show’s initial core cast included Michael Weatherly (Tony Dinozzo), Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd), Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto) and David McCallum (Ducky Mallard). Twenty years later, the series continues to thrive, as it stands as CBS’ No. 1 broadcast drama for five straight seasons and has launched four spinoffs, with the first international entry, NCIS: Sydney, debuting this fall on the network.
In celebration of the series’ premiere on Sept. 23, 2003, The Hollywood Reporter...
It began in spring 2003 as a backdoor pilot for CBS’ sturdy military-law procedural Jag. Co-created by Jag mastermind Donald P. Bellisario (Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap) and Don McGill (Numbers, CSI), NCIS follows special agents from D.C.’s Naval Criminal Investigative Service, led by Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The show’s initial core cast included Michael Weatherly (Tony Dinozzo), Sasha Alexander (Caitlin Todd), Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto) and David McCallum (Ducky Mallard). Twenty years later, the series continues to thrive, as it stands as CBS’ No. 1 broadcast drama for five straight seasons and has launched four spinoffs, with the first international entry, NCIS: Sydney, debuting this fall on the network.
In celebration of the series’ premiere on Sept. 23, 2003, The Hollywood Reporter...
- 9/25/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
According to Whats-On-Netflix.com, 2009's "Star Trek" and 2012's "Star Trek Into Darkness" are going to be removed from Netflix in October of 2023. Their removal indicates that an era is over.
The handlers of "Star Trek" have, ever since the late 1960s, been very good about letting the shows remain available. Even before home video, "Star Trek" was put into seemingly eternal syndication, able to be enjoyed pretty much in perpetuity. Older Trekkies may also recall the Columbia House VHS days, when eager Trekkies could subscribe to a mail-in service that would deliver cassettes -- containing two episodes apiece -- directly to their doors. Eventually, "Star Trek" would be released in season-by-season DVD box sets, followed by massive proliferation across many major streaming services. Ultra-crunchy Blu-rays also eventually crept into the marketplace.
A lot of Trek's widespread availability stems from Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction during Super Bowl Xxxviii...
The handlers of "Star Trek" have, ever since the late 1960s, been very good about letting the shows remain available. Even before home video, "Star Trek" was put into seemingly eternal syndication, able to be enjoyed pretty much in perpetuity. Older Trekkies may also recall the Columbia House VHS days, when eager Trekkies could subscribe to a mail-in service that would deliver cassettes -- containing two episodes apiece -- directly to their doors. Eventually, "Star Trek" would be released in season-by-season DVD box sets, followed by massive proliferation across many major streaming services. Ultra-crunchy Blu-rays also eventually crept into the marketplace.
A lot of Trek's widespread availability stems from Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction during Super Bowl Xxxviii...
- 9/22/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The last time Rupert Murdoch believed that he had created the Next Big Thing, he celebrated at the Temple of Dendur.
The Roman Egyptian temple, completed in 10 Bce, was dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, who was believed to help the dead enter the afterlife.
Now a few Millennia later, the Temple of Dendur resides as a centerpiece in the collection of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where thousands of visitors gather each year to marvel at its grandeur.
The evening of Oct. 24, 2007, Murdoch gathered New York’s business and media elite at the Temple, where hundreds of candles spelled out the word “Fox” as they entered the venue.
The purpose of the party was a celebration of Murdoch’s new idea, one conceived with his Fox News lieutenant Roger Ailes: a competitor to CNBC called Fox Business Network.
“In this country we have the best-run, the...
The Roman Egyptian temple, completed in 10 Bce, was dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, who was believed to help the dead enter the afterlife.
Now a few Millennia later, the Temple of Dendur resides as a centerpiece in the collection of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where thousands of visitors gather each year to marvel at its grandeur.
The evening of Oct. 24, 2007, Murdoch gathered New York’s business and media elite at the Temple, where hundreds of candles spelled out the word “Fox” as they entered the venue.
The purpose of the party was a celebration of Murdoch’s new idea, one conceived with his Fox News lieutenant Roger Ailes: a competitor to CNBC called Fox Business Network.
“In this country we have the best-run, the...
- 9/22/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Julie Chen Moonves lamented Sharon Osbourne’s public firing from “The Talk” during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” Tuesday night.
The “Big Brother” host addressed the controversy after taking a fan questions about the last time she had spoken with her former “Talk” colleague, criticizing the way producers of the daytime talk show handled the aftermath of a tense conversation between Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood that led to the latter’s exit from the daytime talker.
“I think the whole thing was handled really horribly… I don’t think people knew what they were doing and [what they were] getting themselves into. The whole thing was a horrible mess,” Chen Moonves said. “It was [like] watching a train wreck.”
Chen Moonves added she had last spoken with Osbourne eight months after the controversial discussion, after she had seen a photo of daughter Kelly Osbourne looking “healthy and beautiful” that inspired her to reach out.
The “Big Brother” host addressed the controversy after taking a fan questions about the last time she had spoken with her former “Talk” colleague, criticizing the way producers of the daytime talk show handled the aftermath of a tense conversation between Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood that led to the latter’s exit from the daytime talker.
“I think the whole thing was handled really horribly… I don’t think people knew what they were doing and [what they were] getting themselves into. The whole thing was a horrible mess,” Chen Moonves said. “It was [like] watching a train wreck.”
Chen Moonves added she had last spoken with Osbourne eight months after the controversial discussion, after she had seen a photo of daughter Kelly Osbourne looking “healthy and beautiful” that inspired her to reach out.
- 9/20/2023
- by Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
Julie Chen Moonves is turning the other cheek.
The former news anchor and host of “Big Brother” recently sat down with Et Canada’s Keshia Chanté to chat about her new audiobook But First, God, and talked about her 2018 exit from “The Talk”.
Read More: Julie Chen Moonves Says She ‘Felt Stabbed In The Back’ Amid ‘The Talk’ Exit: ‘That Was A Hard Time’
In her book, Chen Moonves reveals she was forced from her role as co-host and moderator of the daytime talk show following the firing of her husband, former CBS head Les Moonves over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Speaking with “Good Morning America” this week, she admitted “I felt stabbed in the back” by two of her co-hosts on “The Talk” after standing by her husband amid the allegations.
Asked about that period, Chen Moonves told Et Canada, “I look back at that time as what needed...
The former news anchor and host of “Big Brother” recently sat down with Et Canada’s Keshia Chanté to chat about her new audiobook But First, God, and talked about her 2018 exit from “The Talk”.
Read More: Julie Chen Moonves Says She ‘Felt Stabbed In The Back’ Amid ‘The Talk’ Exit: ‘That Was A Hard Time’
In her book, Chen Moonves reveals she was forced from her role as co-host and moderator of the daytime talk show following the firing of her husband, former CBS head Les Moonves over allegations of sexual misconduct.
Speaking with “Good Morning America” this week, she admitted “I felt stabbed in the back” by two of her co-hosts on “The Talk” after standing by her husband amid the allegations.
Asked about that period, Chen Moonves told Et Canada, “I look back at that time as what needed...
- 9/19/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Julie Chen Moonves admits she never revealed her true feelings about her exit from “The Talk” until she released her audio memoir, “But First, God,” in which she describes the choice as one she herself didn’t want to make.
“That was a hard time. I felt stabbed in the back,” Chen Moonves said in an interview on Good Morning America with Juju Chang. “I was.”
Chang brought up Chen Moonves’ description of her exit from “The Talk” as “a decision made for her.” Chang also brought up reconciliation, which Chen Moonves folds into her spiritual journey outlined in the book, and when Chang brought up whether Chen Moonves had ever asked her husband, Les Moonves, former CEO of CBS, about the truth of the sexual assault allegations brought against him, she answered calmly.
Julie Chen Moonves talks about her new memoir, opens up about leaving "The Talk" and the...
“That was a hard time. I felt stabbed in the back,” Chen Moonves said in an interview on Good Morning America with Juju Chang. “I was.”
Chang brought up Chen Moonves’ description of her exit from “The Talk” as “a decision made for her.” Chang also brought up reconciliation, which Chen Moonves folds into her spiritual journey outlined in the book, and when Chang brought up whether Chen Moonves had ever asked her husband, Les Moonves, former CEO of CBS, about the truth of the sexual assault allegations brought against him, she answered calmly.
Julie Chen Moonves talks about her new memoir, opens up about leaving "The Talk" and the...
- 9/18/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Julie Chen Moonves is setting the record straight about her controversial departure from The Talk.
"That was a hard time," the 53-year-old told Good Morning America on Monday while promoting her new audio memoir, But First, God.
"I felt stabbed in the back. I was, you know."
After spending eight years on its cast, Chen Moonves left in 2018.
Her exit occurred days after her husband, Les Moonves, was fired from CBS following allegations of sexual misconduct.
At the time of her departure, the Big Brother host claimed she wanted to spend more time with her family.
She supported her husband on social media, calling him "a good man and loving father, devoted husband, and inspiring corporate leader.
"He has always been a kind, decent, and moral human being, I fully support my husband and stand behind him and his statement," she said on X, formerly known as Twitter, in 2019.
Chen...
"That was a hard time," the 53-year-old told Good Morning America on Monday while promoting her new audio memoir, But First, God.
"I felt stabbed in the back. I was, you know."
After spending eight years on its cast, Chen Moonves left in 2018.
Her exit occurred days after her husband, Les Moonves, was fired from CBS following allegations of sexual misconduct.
At the time of her departure, the Big Brother host claimed she wanted to spend more time with her family.
She supported her husband on social media, calling him "a good man and loving father, devoted husband, and inspiring corporate leader.
"He has always been a kind, decent, and moral human being, I fully support my husband and stand behind him and his statement," she said on X, formerly known as Twitter, in 2019.
Chen...
- 9/18/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Julie Chen Moonves is speaking out about her 2018 exit from “The Talk”.
During an interview with “Good Morning America” that aired Monday, Chen Moonves discussed those sexual misconduct allegations against her husband Les Moonves.
She ended up departing “The Talk” days after the allegations — which Moonves denies — emerged in 2018.
Chen Moonves told “GMA” that she didn’t make the decision to leave.
Read More: Julie Chen Moonves Says She Wasn’t The First Choice To Be ‘Big Brother’ Host But Reveals Who Was
The TV personality — who has been promoting her new audio memoir But First, God — admitted, “That was a hard time.
“I felt stabbed in the back. I was, you know,” she added.
Julie Chen Moonves talks about her new memoir, opens up about leaving "The Talk" and the sexual misconduct allegations against husband Les Moonves. @jujuchangabc reports. https://t.co/T5R9yD9hwX pic.twitter.com...
During an interview with “Good Morning America” that aired Monday, Chen Moonves discussed those sexual misconduct allegations against her husband Les Moonves.
She ended up departing “The Talk” days after the allegations — which Moonves denies — emerged in 2018.
Chen Moonves told “GMA” that she didn’t make the decision to leave.
Read More: Julie Chen Moonves Says She Wasn’t The First Choice To Be ‘Big Brother’ Host But Reveals Who Was
The TV personality — who has been promoting her new audio memoir But First, God — admitted, “That was a hard time.
“I felt stabbed in the back. I was, you know,” she added.
Julie Chen Moonves talks about her new memoir, opens up about leaving "The Talk" and the sexual misconduct allegations against husband Les Moonves. @jujuchangabc reports. https://t.co/T5R9yD9hwX pic.twitter.com...
- 9/18/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Now that Big Brother has made it to 25 seasons, there’s no reason to think the show won’t make it to 50. But Julie Chen Moonves, the host of the CBS reality show, doesn’t think she’ll be around that long. “I don’t know if I’m going to still be on it because I don’t know if I’m still going to be alive,” Moonves told Entertainment Weekly in a new interview. “But my guess is I’m not going to be on the show anymore.” The 53-year-old does have an idea for her successor, though: Her 13-year-old, Charlie. “I would love to pass it on to my son,” she said. “Not that he has any interest in hosting, but you know, keep it in the family, Big Brother!” CBS Julie Chen Moonves and husband Les Moonves — who was ousted as CBS CEO and chairman in...
- 7/30/2023
- TV Insider
Ahead of Big Brother‘s return to CBS with season 25, Julie Chen Moonves is opening up to Et about who the network originally wanted as host and how much longer she sees herself working on the reality TV competition.
When asked if there’s anything the fans of the hit series — which sees a group of strangers forced to co-exist in a shared house while they are isolated from the outside world — don’t know, Moonves says that CBS wanted another daytime TV fixture to host. “I wasn’t the first choice to host. It was offered and turned down by Meredith Vieira,” she says of the former moderator for The View.
Although she doesn’t remember how she learned of this tidbit, Moonves says she eventually confirmed the rumor through her husband, former CBS chairman and CEO Les Moonves. “I asked him. I said, ‘You know, I heard stories...
When asked if there’s anything the fans of the hit series — which sees a group of strangers forced to co-exist in a shared house while they are isolated from the outside world — don’t know, Moonves says that CBS wanted another daytime TV fixture to host. “I wasn’t the first choice to host. It was offered and turned down by Meredith Vieira,” she says of the former moderator for The View.
Although she doesn’t remember how she learned of this tidbit, Moonves says she eventually confirmed the rumor through her husband, former CBS chairman and CEO Les Moonves. “I asked him. I said, ‘You know, I heard stories...
- 7/22/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
It will be a while before Julie Chen Moonves utters her final, “But first.”
Ahead of Big Brother‘s milestone 25th season on CBS, Chen Moonves — who has hosted the summertime staple since its 2000 debut — has weighed in on whether she’ll step down from the series anytime soon. And while any self-respecting Big Brother fan knows to expect the unexpected, it sounds like Chen Moonves will be around for seasons to come.
More from TVLineTwo and a Half Men Reunion: See 'Alan' and 'Kandi' Together Again on SAG-AFTRA Picket LineBob Hearts Abishola's Gina Yashere Expertly...
Ahead of Big Brother‘s milestone 25th season on CBS, Chen Moonves — who has hosted the summertime staple since its 2000 debut — has weighed in on whether she’ll step down from the series anytime soon. And while any self-respecting Big Brother fan knows to expect the unexpected, it sounds like Chen Moonves will be around for seasons to come.
More from TVLineTwo and a Half Men Reunion: See 'Alan' and 'Kandi' Together Again on SAG-AFTRA Picket LineBob Hearts Abishola's Gina Yashere Expertly...
- 7/20/2023
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Hollywood is at a crossroads and the 160,000 actors that make up SAG-AFTRA are seemingly in the driver’s seat.
Will there be an actors strike, on top of the writers strike, which is in its ninth week? What happens if there are two strikes? Will SAG-AFTRA extend its negotiations with the studios and then strike? Or will they extend and strike a deal? Would an actors strike compound the pain across the entertainment industry that is already reeling from the writers strike?
Deadline revealed Wednesday that SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are considering extending negotiations until next week (July 7) or later. This also would make sense given that most of Hollywood will be out of town for a long holiday weekend.
In addition to these questions, there are dozens of rumors flying around on the picket lines and Beverly Hills lunch spots. There’s talk...
Will there be an actors strike, on top of the writers strike, which is in its ninth week? What happens if there are two strikes? Will SAG-AFTRA extend its negotiations with the studios and then strike? Or will they extend and strike a deal? Would an actors strike compound the pain across the entertainment industry that is already reeling from the writers strike?
Deadline revealed Wednesday that SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are considering extending negotiations until next week (July 7) or later. This also would make sense given that most of Hollywood will be out of town for a long holiday weekend.
In addition to these questions, there are dozens of rumors flying around on the picket lines and Beverly Hills lunch spots. There’s talk...
- 6/30/2023
- by Peter White, Jill Goldsmith, Andreas Wiseman, Anthony D'Alessandro and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Editor’s Note: This article previously stated that Disney CEO Bob Iger was at the company’s Upfronts today in NYC, based on accounts from eyewitnesses outside the venue. The exec was not in New York Tuesday, and references to him have been removed from this story. We regret the error.
It was a tale of two coasts today, as WGA picketers and their allies targeted Disney’s upfront presentation in New York and also the company’s Burbank lot in Los Angeles. And the two scenes were very different.
This morning at the Disney upfront, pickets were being kept a solid two blocks away from the venue on 10th Ave. Here’s the view looking south from the main entrance:
Outside the Disney upfront with picketers held back below the LED screen in the distance. (Dade Hayes/Deadline)
By Tuesday afternoon, upfront guests in power suits and skirts shared...
It was a tale of two coasts today, as WGA picketers and their allies targeted Disney’s upfront presentation in New York and also the company’s Burbank lot in Los Angeles. And the two scenes were very different.
This morning at the Disney upfront, pickets were being kept a solid two blocks away from the venue on 10th Ave. Here’s the view looking south from the main entrance:
Outside the Disney upfront with picketers held back below the LED screen in the distance. (Dade Hayes/Deadline)
By Tuesday afternoon, upfront guests in power suits and skirts shared...
- 5/17/2023
- by Sean Piccoli, Dade Hayes and Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s an understatement to say fans were upset when CBS canceled Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman 25 years ago. “I got more letters on that show than on all the rest of the shows I’ve canceled combined,” Les Moonves, then CBS Television’s president and CEO, told the Deseret News at the time. Nevertheless, the network upheld Dr. Quinn’s cancellation, citing declining ratings and an aging fanbase. And so the Season 6 finale, “A New Beginning,” which aired on May 16, 1998, became the series finale. But that episode wasn’t the end of the Dr. Quinn story. Since then, CBS has produced a pair of TV movies, fans, and novelists have advanced the show’s narrative in prose form, and star Jane Seymour started campaigning for a reboot. Doctor’s orders: Keep reading to see how creators have expanded upon the original show in the last quarter-century. The TV movies Following the original series’ cancelation,...
- 5/15/2023
- TV Insider
NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell was dismissed “with cause” due to “inappropriate conduct” and “sexual harassment” of an employee, according to a new SEC filing from parent company Comcast.
As Deadline was the first to report, the employee in question is understood to be CNBC anchor and Senior International Correspondent Hadley Gamble.
The “with cause” designation means the company will likely seek to avoid severance payments to Shell. Most executive contracts contain language stipulating different scenarios of how their separation from the company would be treated financially. Sometimes, as in the removal of Les Moonves as CEO of CBS Corp., there can be a legal battle over severance payment, though there was no immediate indication of Shell contesting the “with cause” finding.
Related: Fox, Warner Bros Discovery And Comcast Stocks Dip After Major News Breaks About Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon And Jeff Shell
“Following a complaint that Jeffrey Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal,...
As Deadline was the first to report, the employee in question is understood to be CNBC anchor and Senior International Correspondent Hadley Gamble.
The “with cause” designation means the company will likely seek to avoid severance payments to Shell. Most executive contracts contain language stipulating different scenarios of how their separation from the company would be treated financially. Sometimes, as in the removal of Les Moonves as CEO of CBS Corp., there can be a legal battle over severance payment, though there was no immediate indication of Shell contesting the “with cause” finding.
Related: Fox, Warner Bros Discovery And Comcast Stocks Dip After Major News Breaks About Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon And Jeff Shell
“Following a complaint that Jeffrey Shell, CEO of NBCUniversal,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Susan Zirinsky has criticized documentarians who pay their contributors as she urges her fellow execs to “keep your moral compass.”
The former CBS News President, who is now running CBS production outfit See it Now Studios, joked “you may as well strip me naked and beat me” rather than asking her to pay participants and sources.
“Ken Burns never pays, Alex Gibney never pays, but there is a camp that feels you should pay,” she added. “But for us if you pay someone you will never believe that what they are telling you is something you want to hear. I will walk away before one dime is given for a story.”
Zirinksy launched See It Now around one and a half years ago and the company is producing content for both Paramount’s brands including Paramount+ and Smithsonian Channel, along with pitching to third parties such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
The former CBS News President, who is now running CBS production outfit See it Now Studios, joked “you may as well strip me naked and beat me” rather than asking her to pay participants and sources.
“Ken Burns never pays, Alex Gibney never pays, but there is a camp that feels you should pay,” she added. “But for us if you pay someone you will never believe that what they are telling you is something you want to hear. I will walk away before one dime is given for a story.”
Zirinksy launched See It Now around one and a half years ago and the company is producing content for both Paramount’s brands including Paramount+ and Smithsonian Channel, along with pitching to third parties such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
- 4/17/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Wallace, being the “Succession” fan that he is, asked his “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?” guest, Brian Cox, to grace him with his signature line from the show – meaning, the newsman wanted to be told to “f— off.”
“Your line is, and I’d rather have you say it than me,” Wallace began, only for Cox to quickly jump in with his “Succession” character’s infamous signature line, “F— off.”
“I kinda hoped that before this interview is over you’ll say it to me,” Wallace responded slyly.
Check out their conversation in the video at the top.
Also Read:
MSNBC Compares Trump-Murdoch Standoff to ‘Succession’: ‘This Is What Happens When You’re a Corrupt News Organization’ (Video)
Ahead of the final season of the HBO drama series, which premieres March 26, Wallace also pressed Cox on his strong feelings that the Roy family is not based on...
“Your line is, and I’d rather have you say it than me,” Wallace began, only for Cox to quickly jump in with his “Succession” character’s infamous signature line, “F— off.”
“I kinda hoped that before this interview is over you’ll say it to me,” Wallace responded slyly.
Check out their conversation in the video at the top.
Also Read:
MSNBC Compares Trump-Murdoch Standoff to ‘Succession’: ‘This Is What Happens When You’re a Corrupt News Organization’ (Video)
Ahead of the final season of the HBO drama series, which premieres March 26, Wallace also pressed Cox on his strong feelings that the Roy family is not based on...
- 3/19/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Ian Metrose, the CBS executive who was embroiled in a scandal involving former CEO Les Moonves and the Los Angeles Police Department, has departed the company after 20 years, EVP of Communications Chris Ender confirmed to TheWrap.
TheWrap reported in November 2022 that Metrose was the only executive who remained employed by the network after his involvement was revealed in a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The SVP of Talent and Special Events left last week when his contract expired, TheWrap understands.
“Ian decided to leave CBS at the end of his contract this month,” CBS said in a statement. “We thank him for his 20 years leading network and studio events and wish him much success in his next role.”
James’ report found that in 2017, the veteran executive alerted top-ranking CBS officials about allegations against Moonves that went as far back as the 1980s. He obtained confidential police reports...
TheWrap reported in November 2022 that Metrose was the only executive who remained employed by the network after his involvement was revealed in a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The SVP of Talent and Special Events left last week when his contract expired, TheWrap understands.
“Ian decided to leave CBS at the end of his contract this month,” CBS said in a statement. “We thank him for his 20 years leading network and studio events and wish him much success in his next role.”
James’ report found that in 2017, the veteran executive alerted top-ranking CBS officials about allegations against Moonves that went as far back as the 1980s. He obtained confidential police reports...
- 3/18/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
On Nov. 2, 2022, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that she’d secured a $30.5 million settlement from CBS and its former president and CEO Leslie Moonves for misleading the company’s investors about his misconduct, concealing sexual assault allegations against him and related insider trading by another top CBS executive. Her office also released a 37-page report detailing how members of Moonves’ C-suite and others unsuccessfully sought to neutralize the crisis before it knocked off the top boss, tanked the share price and gummed up a then-nascent merger with Viacom. It’s a damning case study in corporate complicity, control and cover-up.
The report centers on a yearlong sequence of events beginning in late 2017. Then-81-year-old Phyllis Golden-Gottlieb, who died in July 2022, filed a confidential police report with the Los Angeles Police Department. Golden-Gottlieb alleged that Moonves had attacked her on multiple occasions in the 1980s, when they were both executives at Lorimar-Telepictures.
The report centers on a yearlong sequence of events beginning in late 2017. Then-81-year-old Phyllis Golden-Gottlieb, who died in July 2022, filed a confidential police report with the Los Angeles Police Department. Golden-Gottlieb alleged that Moonves had attacked her on multiple occasions in the 1980s, when they were both executives at Lorimar-Telepictures.
- 2/16/2023
- by Gary Baum
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Donald Trump did draw the media spotlight for his presidential announcement speech on Tuesday, but the networks varied in how they approached the event, carrying parts of it and cutting away at others.
The coverage perhaps offers a glimpse of how Trump will be covered as he embarks on his third presidential bid — certainly a top story, but not the only one.
Trump promoted the speech as “one of the most important ones in the history of our country,” but the networks alternated their focus on other stories throughout the day. That included the missile hit on Poland that, just minutes before Trump took the stage, put the focus on his nemesis, President Joe Biden.
CNN carried the speech from Mar-a-Lago for more than 20 minutes before cutting away when Trump made the official announcement. Anderson Cooper then went to a fact check with Daniel Dale, a fixture during the 2020 election cycle.
The coverage perhaps offers a glimpse of how Trump will be covered as he embarks on his third presidential bid — certainly a top story, but not the only one.
Trump promoted the speech as “one of the most important ones in the history of our country,” but the networks alternated their focus on other stories throughout the day. That included the missile hit on Poland that, just minutes before Trump took the stage, put the focus on his nemesis, President Joe Biden.
CNN carried the speech from Mar-a-Lago for more than 20 minutes before cutting away when Trump made the official announcement. Anderson Cooper then went to a fact check with Daniel Dale, a fixture during the 2020 election cycle.
- 11/16/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox is not going to be taking the telecommunications giant to court like ESPN has over its slimmed down Custom TV bundles – at least not any time soon. “I’m not going to talk about ESPN’s lawsuit,” said Peter Rice today at the annual Milken Institute Global Conference. “I think we’ll work with Verizon, we’ll look at what they’re doing, we’ll see how it evolves,” the Fox Networks Group boss told conference attendees Wednesday. “We’ve been trying to offer our distributors some flexibility. On the margins we think some of the skinny bundles don’t necessarily offer a good value he noted “I think consumers will ask do I want to pay $75 for 20 channels (under a smaller bundle plan) or do I want to pay $80 for a 100 channels?”
“For the past 5-years we’ve really been trying to focus on five brands, Fox, Fox Sports,...
“For the past 5-years we’ve really been trying to focus on five brands, Fox, Fox Sports,...
- 4/29/2015
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
4th Update: An eclectic mix of current and former moguls, executives, producers, directors, and of course actors attended the marquee pre-Oscar parties as well as famed artists, museum directors, fashion designers, music icons, and star athletes. Barry Diller’s luncheon for Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter Saturday was smaller than usual. That night, Jeffrey Katzenberg’s ‘Night Before’ Oscar MPTF fundraiser avoided a union picket line. The agency parties dominated Thursday and Friday nights. CAA‘s was bigger than in past years when 200-300 guests crowded Bryan Lourd’s home. This time about 500 gathered at luxe Greystone Mansion for Old Hollywood glamour with men dressed ascots and women given gardenia corsages. WME‘s was held at Ari Emanuel’s home as usual and UTA‘s at Jim Berkus’ house again. ICM Partners‘ was held at the home of agent Hildy Gottlieb. Few of these names need introductions...
- 2/24/2013
- by Nikki Finke and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: This is exactly the kind of information that shareholders of Big Media need to know but rarely see. It’s considered a red flag when any public company pays one of its bigwigs — usually the CEO — three times more than the average for the four other top executives which the SEC requires them to list. So I’ve taken proxy statements and done the computations and discovered that at least 16 of 35 companies failed that test. Often miserably. Nearly half of the media company compensation packages disclosed so far for 2010 show a startling degree of hero-worship as boards of directors pay their top dogs sums that far exceed what the pay was for other top execs in the company.
Stock grants accounted for big chunks of the compensation for those who top this list, including Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav, Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman, DirecTV CEO Michael White, Nielsen CEO David Calhoun,...
Stock grants accounted for big chunks of the compensation for those who top this list, including Discovery Communications CEO David Zaslav, Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman, DirecTV CEO Michael White, Nielsen CEO David Calhoun,...
- 4/21/2011
- by David Lieberman
- Deadline Film + TV
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