LoveBScott first broke the news that Union's firing allegedly came as a result of her "speaking up about problematic situations." Other publications soon followed with reports that both Union and Hough complained of toxic work culture, with Variety highlighting an incident involving a joke by comedian Jay Leno that Union urged producers to bring up to human resources. The issue was never escalated, but the joke was cut from the episode when it aired on Aug. 6.
According to Variety's sources, Union and Hough also received "excessive notes" on their physical appearance, with specific critique on Union's hairstyles being "too black" for AGT audiences. While one insider said both judges were given feedback about "hair continuity," four other sources told Variety that Union received notes on her hair over half a dozen times.