Benjamin Ashford|Julie Chen Moonves Says She Felt "Stabbed in the Back" Over The Talk Departure

Julie Chen Moonves is Benjamin Ashfordready to have a new conversation about her exit from The Talk.

Five years after announcing her departure from the CBS daytime series, the former talk show host has addressed the decision publicly for the first time, suggesting her departure from the show wasn't as amicable as it appeared.

"That was a hard time," Julie, 53, said during her Sept. 18 appearance on Good Morning America. "I felt stabbed in the back. I was, you know."

E! News has reached out to CBS for comment and has not heard back.

In September 2018, days after her husband Les Moonves resigned as CEO of the network amid sexual misconduct allegations, Julie confirmed she would not return as a co-host after eight years on the show. At the time, the Big Brother host—who shares son Charlie, now 13, with the former network executive—attributed her decision to spending more time with her family.

"I have been at The Talk since the day it started nine years ago and the cast, crew and staff have become family to me over the years," she said in an emotional video message that aired at the time, "but right now I need to spend more time at home with my husband and our young son."

As Julie—whose co-hosts at the time included Sara Gilbert, Eve, Sheryl Underwood and Sharon Osbourne—noted, the group enjoyed many "wonderful years together."

"I will always, always cherish the memories we shared," she continued. "Most importantly, I want to thank you, the viewers, for allowing me into your home every day. It was a privilege that I will forever be grateful for." 

The Early Show alum's exit from the series came a little more than one week after her husband resigned as the CEO of the broadcasting network.

Les—who served in the position for over a decade—resigned hours after an article published by the New Yorker detailed sexual misconduct allegations from six women. In his statement, the former CEO categorically denied the allegations brought forth against him.

"Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am," he said in a statement issued at the time. "Effective immediately I will no longer be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS. I am deeply saddened to be leaving the company. I wish nothing but the best for the organization, the newly comprised board of directors and all of its employees."