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Gabrielle Union opened up in a new interview about why she decided to leave “America’s Got Talent” in 2019, saying she felt “isolated” on the program.
What’s the news:
- In 2019, Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough left “America’s Got Talent” after one season on the show. As reports suggested, the judges faced toxic pressure from within the show. There were reportedly racist jokes made behind the scenes as well.
- Union told Variety in a new interview that the workplace was toxic.
- She said: “I signed up for the experience of being a part of a show that hails itself as the biggest stage in the world. Super diverse, and one about giving people an opportunity to shine where they otherwise probably wouldn’t. What could go wrong?”
- “There are so many people who are committed to making NBCUniversal and Comcast different, who truly want to be a part of the solution and on the right side of history. ... In the same breath, there are some people who want the wheels of change to come to a grinding halt because they feel that their privilege is being challenged.”
- Union recalled walking on set to see judge Simon Cowell smoking a cigarette. She said speaking out about his smoking was difficult for her because she was “coming onto a set and you are literally met with the very definition of a toxic work environment, and it’s being carried out by the most powerful person on the production.”
On the ‘AGT’ investigation
- NBC, Fremantle and Syco released a statement about an investigation into the show about its toxic work behavior, according to USA Today.
- The statement read: “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.”