An investigation spurred by Gabrielle Union's complaints that America's Got Talent is a "toxic" workplace found that the talent show did not behave insensitively toward the former judge, who was removed from the judges panel along with Julianne Hough last November. Show Union, 47, alleged she and Hough, 31, often received “excessive notes” on their appearance and that her hairstyles were “too black” for AGT’s audience. She also expressed concerns over racially insensitive situations during her time as a judge, including a joke guest judge Jay Leno made that was later edited out of the episode. She and Union only served one season on the show and have since been replaced by returning judge Heidi Klum and new panelist Sofia Vergara. “Through the investigation process, it has been revealed that no one associated with the show made any insensitive or derogatory remarks about Ms. Union’s appearance, and that neither race nor gender was a contributing factor in the advancement or elimination of contestants at any time,” according to a statement from NBC and Fremantle, which produces the talent show. “The investigation has shown that the concerns raised by Ms. Union had no bearing on the decision not to exercise the option on her contract.” Union also reportedly complained to producers after a white male contestant auditioned with an act where he portrayed people of color like Beyoncé and emerged with black hands. Celebrities like Debra Messing and former AGT judge Howard Stern showed support for Union. In December, Union tweeted that she had a “lengthy 5-hour” meeting with NBC, Fremantle and creator/judge Simon Cowell's company Syco Entertainment about her firing from the show. She called it “productive” and said she was “able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.” More recently, she talked with Variety about her experience and how she hopes to inspire "real change, and not just on this show but for the larger parent company." "It starts from the top down,” she says. “My goal is to create the happiest, most high-functioning, inclusive, protected and healthy example of a workplace.” Here is the full statement: "We have a shared passion to make America’s Got Talent a positive, inclusive and diverse show that is open to all individuals from any country or background. We are proud and grateful that our contestants and audiences support our ongoing mission, which is represented in the incredible people who participate in the show each year. We have heard from contestants and talent alike that their experience on AGT has had a positive impact on their lives. When we heard Ms. Union had concerns about her time on the show, we took them extremely seriously. NBC, Fremantle and Syco immediately engaged an outside investigator who conducted more than 30 interviews to review the issues raised by Ms. Union. While the investigation has demonstrated an overall culture of diversity, it has also highlighted some areas in which reporting processes could be improved. Through the investigation process, it has been revealed that no one associated with the show made any insensitive or derogatory remarks about Ms. Union’s appearance, and that neither race nor gender was a contributing factor in the advancement or elimination of contestants at any time. The investigation has shown that the concerns raised by Ms. Union had no bearing on the decision not to exercise the option on her contract. Through the investigation process, it has been revealed that no one associated with the show made any insensitive or derogatory remarks about Ms. Union’s appearance, and that neither race nor gender was a contributing factor in the advancement or elimination of contestants at any time. The investigation has shown that the concerns raised by Ms. Union had no bearing on the decision not to exercise the option on her contract. NBC, Fremantle and Syco share Ms. Union’s dedication to diversity and inclusion in the industry. We continue to remain committed to having an inclusive environment for everyone associated with the show, and to upholding AGT as one of the most diverse programs on television." Gabrielle Union's reported exit as a judge on America's Got Talent has led to further claims of the show's "toxic culture," which was allegedly the reason for her departure. Now, new information has been released alleging that, prior to her firing, Union was constantly criticized for rotating hairstyles that were "too Black" for the show's audience. As previously reported, the LA Finest star was axed from the show after speaking out against some "problematic" situations that were taking place behind the scenes, including instances of racism, sexism and more. More context has since been unveiled with Variety reporting that Union and her co-star Julianne Hough, who was also terminated, received "excessive notes on their physical appearance," which eventually led to hostility with the production team. While insiders claim that both women received repeated criticism of their hair, makeup and wardrobe choices, Union, in particular, was allegedly told her hairstyles were "too Black" for the America's Got Talent audience. Union reportedly received this critique "over half a dozen times." The publication added that while the actress declined to comment on the matter, Hough released a statement denying the claims, saying, "I had a wonderful time on America's Got Talent. I loved working with the cast, crew and producers." Elsewhere in the report were claims that Union witnessed two "racially insensitive" incidents that left her concerned. One of the alleged moments took place during the audition taping of the latest season when a white male contestant impersonated numerous famous singers, including Beyoncé. Insiders claim that though he "blacked up" his hands during the routine, he was still allowed to perform in front of the live audience. Union and other staff members protested against it, but the producers reportedly allowed it to continue. Both moments were removed in editing. New York Magazine contributor Yashar Ali also posted some information regarding the racist decisions that were being made behind-the-scenes, which Union tried to object to. He explained that the actress and now former judge was told that 10-year-old Black rapper Dylan Gilmer could not be picked for the competition because they needed a contestant "America could get behind." During that same discussion, a South African choir was reportedly brought up, with judge Howie Mandel reportedly saying, "Maybe they can sing something from The Lion King." The site further reports that, though the show's ratings have steadily declined for at least three years, "its social media presence has doubled since Union and Hough replaced longtime female judges Melanie Brown and model-host Heidi Klum." Approximately half of the 18-episode season, which wrapped in September, engaged directly with Union, according to figures from Nielsen Social, making her the most popular judge on the series. Who replaced Gabrielle Union on AGT?She also expressed concerns over racially insensitive situations during her time as a judge, including a joke guest judge Jay Leno made that was later edited out of the episode. She and Union only served one season on the show and have since been replaced by returning judge Heidi Klum and new panelist Sofia Vergara. What happened to Julianne and Gabrielle on AGT?On November 22, 2019 news broke that America's Got Talentjudges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough were leaving after one season. According to reports, Union was allegedly fired after she raised complaints about the show's toxic and "problematic" work culture. Was Gabrielle Union ever on America's got talent?Union appeared in such films as Bring It On and Bad Boys II and can currently be seen in LA's Finest, a TV spin-off from the Bad Boys franchise. After leaving America's Got Talent it was alleged she witnessed "racist and inappropriate behaviour", was labelled as "difficult" and was "punished for speaking out". Who were the original judges on AGT?Season 1 (2006). The first season for America's Got Talent was promoted in May 2006, and was eventually aired later that year between June 21 and August 17. ... . The first season was hosted by Regis Philbin, with the judging panel consisting of actor David Hasselhoff, singer Brandy Norwood and journalist Piers Morgan.. |
