Gabrielle Union speaks out amid ‘America’s Got Talent’ sacking controversy
Gabrielle Union has broken her silence after being “fired” as a judge on America’s Got Talent.
All is not well behind the scenes of America’s Got Talent.
Gabrielle Union was a judge on the reality show before it was announced last week that she was leaving, with her husband seemingly confirming today that she was fired.
The star has now broken her silence amid the controversy surrounding her exit from America’s Got Talent.
In a tweet this morning, the former judge wrote: “So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU!”
“Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone … you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever,” the 47-year-old added.
Union’s tweet comes after Variety reported yesterday that her exit was because she spoke out against the alleged “toxic” workplace culture at the NBC singing show.
The report alleges that Union was subject to various racial criticisms, including references to her many hairstyle changes, which were perceived as “too black” for AGT’s core demographic — a critique Union reportedly received over half a dozen times.
She was also not keen on what some say was a racially insensitive joke by comedian Jay Leno while he was a guest judge.
During the filming of an interstitial segment, Leno joked about a painting that featured Simon Cowell surrounded by dogs. Leno joked that the dogs looked like something one could find “on the menu at a Korean restaurant” — much to the chagrin of “the very few Asian staffers” on the show.
The comment was later edited out of the episode which aired in the US on August 6.
Union allegedly urged producers to report the incident to NBC’s human resources department — but her pleas fell on deaf ears.
The report also noted an episode in which Union took offence to a white contestant impersonating popular acts and people of colour through quick costume changes. The contestant impersonated Beyonce and emerged with black hands.
Fellow AGT judge Julianne Hough also departed the popular talent competition show, but she denied her departure was a result of the workplace environment described in the same report from Variety.
After the actress pleaded with producers to remove the audition, producers reportedly told her, “We’ll take it out later.”
In a joint statement obtained by Variety, NBC and Fremantle, the production company behind AGT, responded to the allegations, saying: “America’s Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show. The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT’s enduring popularity. NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously.”
Meanwhile, fellow AGT judge Julianne Hough also departed the series but she denied that her departure was a result of the workplace environment described in the same report from Variety.
Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo stuck up for Union on Twitter and slammed NBC for sacking the star.
It’s unfortunate that @nbc the same network that protected disgusting men like Matt Lauer and punished women for speaking out or not putting up with it...has not changed their practices or culture. I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019
this is a teaching moment..It’s important..white girls I’m talking to you..whether you truly understand what racial injustice is or not..that you stand with your sisters on the front lines. Don’t cut side deals & don’t not get involved because it isn’t your issue..because it is
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019
Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women. If you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do. Obviously this network feels like they can operate like this and it’s okay.
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019
With that said GIRLS....instead of wack jugglers and messy Simon Cowell watch @ReeseW and Jennifer Anniston in The Morning Show!! Soooo much better. Hard to believe these networks are still getting away with this. Our work continues @itsgabrielleu â¤ï¸
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019
Also I feel important to mention our problems on the Greys set and every set has them...some kind of issue ...there’s lots of people in a workplace.. point is... exec producers and the NETWORK @abc cared enough to help us make change support is crucial.
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019
After the “firing”, Union’s husband, NBA star Dwayne Wade, wrote on social media: “So when I got the news that my wife was being fired — my first question was obviously why!? I am still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.”
This article originally appeared on Fox News and was reproduced with permission
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