NBC didn’t know what they were doing when they decided to can the two female judges from America’s Got Talent. Sending Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough packing has turned out to be the headache of the year. Yes, there is only one month left of the year, so this one’s going to spill into 2020. Fun for them, huh?
There were reports of racist jokes, racial acts, and careless AGT producers who turn a blind eye to it all, while also making racially-packed hair commentary to Gabrielle. Gabrielle kept quiet about it until now. Gabs and her husband Dwyane Wade have said words about it, and so have other NBC stars.
The reports claimed that Jay Leno made a joke during filming about Koreans eating dogs, and when Gabrielle complained about it and said it should be reported to human resources, she was waved away pretty much. There was also a claim that producers thought Gabrielle’s hairstyles were “too black”, and gave notes to Julianne about her looks. NBC responded to Gabrielle and Julianne’s firing by saying that they “regularly refresh” their judges line-up which features Simon Cowell (who has been a judge for four seasons) and Howie Mandel (who has been a judge for ten seasons).
NBC also defended their “long history of inclusivity and diversity.”
Well, Gabrielle hopped on Twitter a couple of days ago to thank everyone for their support. Dwayne got into it more, basically confirming the reports:
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
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 28, 2019
“Men lie, Women lie, numbers don’t” Over this past year I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife @itsgabrielleu is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019
So when i got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!? Iam 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.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019
As proud as i were of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— Iam even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that’s US.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019
So
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
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019
to you 
And other NBC stars spoke out too:
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
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019
environment is inconvenient when there is a huge money making machine that is involved. It is cowardice, greed, and protection of the status quo revealed. Being “hands off,” is inexcusable and reflects a laissez faire attitude toward systemic racism and sexism. @itsgabrielleu
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) November 28, 2019
So everybody loves Gabrielle Union, except for NBC, clearly. I think we know how Gabrielle is going to do deal with this: she’ll roll up with three of her best celeb girlfriends during a live taping of next year’s America’s Got Talent and expose NBC production’s whole unwashed asses for all to see!–Just like she did to the San Diego Rancho Carne Toros!
Pic: Wenn.com