After the news that Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough would not be returning as judges on America’s Got Talent, a report by Variety claimed that the talent competition show had a “toxic culture” and several “offensive” events took place on set, which Union reported.
However things became even more dramatic when Terry Crews, who also works on America’s Got Talent as host, did an interview with Today recently where he claimed he never saw anything like that happen.
“That was never my experience on America’s Got Talent. In fact, it was the most diverse place I have ever been in my 20 years of entertainment,” he explained. “The top 10 acts were Asian, women, older, younger, Black, white—it was everything in the gamut.”
Union addressed Crews’ claims on Twitter later.
“Truth telling, wanting change & having MULTIPLE witnesses who bravely came forward to let EVERYONE know I didn’t lie or exaggerate, really exposes those who enthusiastically will throw you under the bus, forgetting quickly who stepped up 4 THEIR truth,” she tweeted, seemingly direct at Crews.
After the drama between the former coworkers, Crews has attempted to clear the air about his earlier made comments.
“I told @KevinHart4real a while ago, he needed 2 ‘acknowledge the pain of other people.’ Right now I have to do the same thing,” he tweeted. “I want to apologize for the comments I made. I realize there are a lot of Black women hurt and let down by what I said and also by what I didn’t say.”
Crews continued, “I hear you, I respect you and understand you. I am sorry and I am here to support you. I spoke from my own personal point of view without first taking into consideration someone else’s experience.” Crews also shared that he may have been too quick to react based off anger he was feeling.”
“I allowed disrespectful comments directed at me and my family to cause me to react angrily instead of responding thoughtfully. This certainly caused more harm, and it is my hope that I can amend any pain I have caused to those who were hurt by my words,” he added.
After his long speech on Twitter, Crews addressed directly to Union and apologized to his former co-star.
“@itsgabrielleu, I want you to know it was never my intention to invalidate your experience— but that is what I did. I apologize. You have been through a lot in this business, and with that I empathize with the struggle toward fairness and equality in the workplace,” he tweeted. “You are a role model to the entire black community and In my desire to be professionally neutral as your co-worker, I should have at the very least understood you just needed my support.”
At this time, Union has not responded to Crews’ apology.
I told @KevinHart4real a while ago, he needed 2 “acknowledge the pain of other people.” Right now I have to do the same thing. I want to apologize for the comments I made. I realize there are a lot of Black women hurt and let down by what I said and also by what I didn’t say.
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) January 31, 2020
I hear you, I respect you and understand you. I am sorry and I am here to support you. I spoke from my own personal point of view without first taking into consideration someone else’s experience.
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) January 31, 2020
I allowed disrespectful comments directed at me and my family to cause me to react angrily instead of responding thoughtfully. This certainly caused more harm, and it is my hope that I can amend any pain I have caused to those who were hurt by my words.
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) January 31, 2020
@itsgabrielleu, I want you to know it was never my intention to invalidate your experience— but that is what I did. I apologize. You have been through a lot in this business, and with that I empathize with the struggle toward fairness and equality in the workplace.
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) January 31, 2020
@itsgabrielleu You are a role model to the entire black community and In my desire to be professionally neutral as your co-worker, I should have at the very least understood you just needed my support.
Sincerely, Terry Crews
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) January 31, 2020
Brittany R
Brittany is a writer who is obsessed with rom-com movies, Gossip Girl, reality television, fashion, and pop-culture. When she isn't reporting on the latest celeb buzz, she is filling up her online shopping cart without checking out.