Simon Cowell‘s company is speaking out aboutGabrielle Union‘s grievances with America’s Got Talent during her one-season run on the NBC talent competition show.
“We are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate,” the statement concluded.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Tibrina Hobson/WireImage
Union and Hough, 31, were also both subject to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance, sources alleged inVariety‘s report.
Representatives for Hough, Union, and Leno did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
BlogLove B Scottwas first to report about complaints Union had allegedly made prior to her departure, with an NBC source saying that she had spoken out about “problematic” situations on set.
Trae Patton/NBC
Sources on the series told the outlet that Leno allegedly joked the dogs looked like something one would find “on the menu at a Korean restaurant,” alluding to the stereotype that all Asian people eat dog meat.
In another instance, sources toldVarietythat Union found herself again speaking up against racial insensitivity when a white male contestant auditioned with an act where he portrayed people of color and impersonated singers through multiple quick costume changes.
During his performance, the man impersonatedBeyoncéand, according toVariety‘s sources, emerged with black hands. The audition didn’t sit well with Union and she allegedly addressed the matter with a segment producer and an executive producer, explaining that the audience should not have to watch something so “racially insensitive.”
Jay Leno.Courtesy Jay Leno
After the actress requested that they remove the audition from the show, the producers allegedly told her, “We’ll take it out later.” Like Leno’s dog joke, the contestant’s audition was also reportedly cut from the show.
Variety‘s report went on to describe claims that Union and Hough often received “excessive notes” on their appearance — noting that Union was allegedly told that her ever-changing hairstyles were “too black” forAGT‘s audience, while Hough reportedly received constant criticism on her hair, makeup and wardrobe.
However, in a statement toVariety, Hough denied that she had a negative experience working on the show.
“I had a wonderful time onAmerica’s Got Talent, I loved working with the cast, crew, and producers. I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC,” said Hough, who is set to star in two upcoming NBC Christmas specials. “I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”
When it came to Union’s critique, four sources toldVarietythat the actress allegedly received the note “over half a dozen times.” But one NBC insider denied the frequency of that feedback and claimed that it was given to both judges due to their hair continuity throughout the episodes.
Also, according to multiple reports, Union allegedly complained that Cowell was smoking indoors, which is illegal in California whereAGTfilms. She is allergic to cigarette smoke.
Cowellhas been open about his smoking, recently telling hostEllen DeGeneresthat while he opted for a strict vegan diet, he hasn’t stopped drinking or nicotine. TheAGTjudge revealed onThe Ellen DeGeneres Showin September that he’s still consuming alcohol and smoking, but is not having dairy, sugar, bread, gluten, or red meat.
“I went to see this doctor in London. We did some tests. And then a month later he said, ‘You have the worst diet I’ve ever met from any patient,’ ” Cowell recalled to DeGeneres, 61. “So I went, ‘Okay, out of the smoking, the drinking, and diet, what do I have to drop?’ And he said, ‘The diet.’ So I said, ‘I’m in!’ “
Amid the news of Union’s firing, her husband and NBA legendDwyane Wadecame to his wife’s defensein a series of tweets.
“So when I got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!?” he continued. “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.”
In a third tweet, Wade said of his wife, “As proud as i were of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— I am even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that’s US.”
“So [cheers emoji] to you @itsgabrielleu on not losing sight of the lessons we’ve talked about teaching our daughter and for kicking ass while you were on that platform. Number 1 judge on one of the biggest shows in the world,” he concluded his message of support.
Since news of herAGTfiring, Union has received support from fans andfamous friends. Union broke her silence on her controversial departure last Wednesday, thanking her followers for their support during this difficult time. “So many tears, so much gratitude,” she tweeted. “THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone… you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever.”
On Friday, Union told fans and followers“support is everything.”
source: people.com
