It was reported last week that Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough would not be returning to America’s Got Talent for the 2020 season of the competition show; later that week, a story published by Variety claimed that Union had expressed her concerns about the show’s “toxic culture” to NBC’s Human Resources department.
The production company, NBC and Fremantle, responded to the report with a statement, “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.” On the other hand, Dwyane Wade – Union’s husband – claimed on Twitter that his wife was fired from the show.
On Thursday, Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo posted to Twitter about her thoughts on the situation and sided with Union while she encouraged others to do the same.
“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,” Pompeo started her series of tweets.
“This is a teaching moment..It’s important,” the actress added. “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.”
“Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women,” Pompeo continued. “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.”
“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 ❤️,” the Grey’s Anatomy star concluded her series of tweets.
“Thank you for this @EllenPompeo. be better @nbc. we’re with you @itsgabrielleu. 🖤,” singer and actress Ariana Grande tweeted at Pompeo.
One Tree Hill star Sophia Bush penned, “Read this thread. Ask why it’s hard for women in this industry. The challenge the GD system. @itsgabrielleu you have ALWAYS been a real one. An advocate. A teller of truths. Thank you for sticking to your guns. You are an inspiration and I LOVE ya.”
“I stand by @itsgabrielleu. I have seen her time and again stand up and speak out for what’s right. #AmericasGotTalent why would you do this?” actress Piper Perabo tweeted.
The Flash actress, Candice Patton, wrote, “You stand up for us, so we stand up for you! ❤️.”
“The reason I’ve always loved @itsgabrielleu is because she’s unapologetically real and stands firmly on what she believes. A true Queen 🙌 keep shining!” Real Housewives of Potomac star Monique Samuels tweeted.
Earlier this week, Union broke her silence for the first time following her exit from the show. “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 Bring It On star tweeted.
As reported by Variety, one of the alleged incidents that occurred during her time on the show was an act that she found racially insensitive during the audition rounds. Also, sources claimed that Union received specific critical network notes on her hairstyles, which were allegedly deemed to be “too black” for the show’s audience, and that she received notes like this multiple times.
https://twitter.com/EllenPompeo/status/1200067381231587330
https://twitter.com/EllenPompeo/status/1200069389447512064
https://twitter.com/EllenPompeo/status/1200070157328113666
https://twitter.com/EllenPompeo/status/1200071421831106561
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1200083218407546880
Read this thread. Ask why it’s hard for women in this industry. The challenge the GD system. @itsgabrielleu you have ALWAYS been a real one. An advocate. A teller of truths. Thank you for sticking to your guns. You are an inspiration and I LOVE ya. https://t.co/CerNzXuDfm
— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) November 28, 2019
I stand by @itsgabrielleu. I have seen her time and again stand up and speak out for what’s right. #AmericasGotTalent why would you do this? https://t.co/umRVyj0cx0
— Piper Perabo (@PiperPerabo) November 27, 2019
You stand up for us, so we stand up for you! ❤️
— Candice Patton (@candicepatton) November 28, 2019
The reason I’ve always loved @itsgabrielleu is because she’s unapologetically real and stands firmly on what she believes. A true Queen
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.