Big Brother is implementing heightened security measures following the on-air abduction of host Julie Chen Moonves during the Season 27 premiere. The incident, which occurred one year ago, saw Chen Moonves snatched from the Los Angeles soundstage by an entity referred to as the Mastermind. She was later found safely during a competition by houseguest Zach Cornell. The Mastermind's lair was destroyed, but questions remain about how the kidnapper accessed the set and whether another attempt could occur.
Julie Chen Moonves Speaks Out
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly ahead of the Season 28 premiere, Chen Moonves addressed the incident. When asked how she was doing one year later, she said, “You know, that’s a trigger for me. So I’m just gonna breathe it out right now.” She added, “I believe that God protects me from bad memories, and I totally forgot about it until you brought it up. But I’m gonna breathe through this one.” After calming exercises, she expressed confidence in the new security protocols.
Security Enhancements
Chen Moonves confirmed that security has been stepped up, including undercover protection. “Here’s the thing, they don’t have to wear a jacket that says ‘Security’ to be my security,” she said. “I mean, is that the person who does my hair and makeup, or is that security? You don’t wanna find out.” She also noted that she hasn’t “heard boo from the Mastermind,” though she wondered if he was still repairing his lair.
Season 28 Milestone
This 28th season marks a historic milestone for Big Brother as it becomes the first primetime series to reach 1,000 original episodes. The season premiere on Thursday is a 90-minute episode featuring a “Time Trip”-themed house where “time is fractured, unpredictable and constantly in motion,” according to CBS. The second part of the premiere airs on July 12, also 90 minutes. Post-premiere, Wednesday episodes will be 90 minutes, while Thursday and Sunday episodes will be one hour long.
