Movies & TV
Everything To Know About Gabrielle Union’s Dismissal From America’s Got Talent
by : Hannah Ziegler- Nov 29th, 2019
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America’s Got Talent judge Gabrielle Union has been dropped from the program, reportedly following her complaints to NBC about racism and hostility in the workplace.
Union’s husband, former NBA player Dwyane Wade, confirmed she was let go via Twitter on Wednesday.
“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.”
So when i got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!? Iam 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.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019
Variety released an article Tuesday detailing Union’s concerns. Reportedly, Jay Leno made a racist comment while taping for the show as a guest judge. Union urged producers to report the incident to HR, and while the joke was cut from the show, further action was not taken.
The article also goes into detail about other race-related issues on the show, including comments made about Union’s hairstyles being “too black” and a contestant auditioning with a culturally insensitive routine.
According to reporting from Vulture, Union also shared concerns about fellow judge Simon Cowell’s indoor smoking (which is illegal).
In a statement to People, NBC and production company Fremantle said: “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.”
Since word has spread of Union’s departure, celebrities have been expressing their support and admiration. “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,” Ellen Pompeo tweeted. “I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage”
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
Ariana Grande, Jameela Jamil, Janelle Monáe and Lin-Manuel Miranda are among those voicing their encouragement.
thank you for this @EllenPompeo. be better @nbc. we’re with you @itsgabrielleu. ? https://t.co/UMfcqJZ46w
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 28, 2019
I am lucky to work with really good people at @nbc and am sad and angry to know this has been going on in that same network. I stand with @itsgabrielleu all the way. They should bring her back, with a big raise, and remove @SimonCowell instead. ? https://t.co/ZDsmurRUd4
— Jameela Jamil ? (@jameelajamil) November 28, 2019
Love you & oh so thankful for you @itsgabrielleu ?????? https://t.co/e8vqtNSDQY
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) November 28, 2019
Team @itsgabrielleu, always.
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 28, 2019
Union tweeted her appreciation to supporters: “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 <3
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 ❤
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 28, 2019
Julianne Hough also will not be returning to the next season of AGT, which premieres early next year. According to Variety, both Union and Hough’s contracts with NBC were not renewed. Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and Terry Crews are expected to return.
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