Is Gabrielle Union Taking Legal Action Over ‘America’s Got Talent’ Firing?
It’s a tough time for Gabrielle Union. In late November, news broke that the Breaking In actress was allegedly fired from America’s Got Talent after speaking out about racism and other on-set issues.
Union later opened up on social media about feeling “lost, adrift, [and] alone” amid her exit from the show. But she’s finding her strength again, thanks to the overwhelming support she’s received from fans, her peers, and her family.
Now, reports say that she’s ready to fight back and that she might file a lawsuit against NBC.
What exactly happened with Gabrielle Union?
In case you missed it, news broke on Nov. 22 that Union, as well as Julianne Hough, would not return for AGT Season 15. She and Hough had been on the show for a single season.
Later, on Nov. 26, Variety reported that Union got fired after speaking out about the work environment, which allegedly allowed racist jokes and other alarming behavior. These situations were said to be part of a “toxic culture” on the show.
On a more personal note, insiders also told Variety that Union had received “excessive notes” on her physical appearance, specifically her hairstyles, which executives allegedly deemed “too black” for the AGT audience.
The report prompted widespread backlash on social media. Among the celebrities who have rallied behind Union are Ellen Pompeo and her husband, Dwyane Wade.
What has NBC said about Gabrielle Union’s exit from ‘America’s Got Talent’?
NBC and series producer Fremantle defended what they called the show’s “long history of inclusivity and diversity.”
“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,” the companies said in a statement.
The judging panel has indeed seen a lot of changes since the show’s 2006 debut. But some judges have stuck around for years, including Mel B and Howard Stern.
One would think that AGT would keep Union around, given that she was one of the show’s most popular judges. She was a huge talking point on the Internet, reportedly generating millions of social media impressions.
But obviously, that wasn’t enough.
Gabrielle Union could sue NBC, reports say
On Nov. 30, the entertainment website The Jasmine Brand reported that Union is “exploring her legal options against the network.”
As of writing, Union has not directly commented on her exit from the NBC series. But on Nov. 28, she shared an emotional message on Instagram in which she thanked her supporters for having her back.
“To all the friends and family that have my back and all the friends and family I’ve never met who show love and support when everyone is looking and when no one is looking…All praise, gratitude, and thankfulness,” she captioned a photo of Wade and their blended family.
It’s great to see her in good spirits amid all of this drama. We wish her the best of luck moving forward.
