Gabrielle Union and America's Got Talent Controversy Details

America's Got Drama: A Timeline of Gabrielle Union's Controversial Exit From AGT

When it comes to America's Got Talent, we're usually busy chatting about showstopping performances and inspiring artists earning the coveted golden buzzer. But the events after season 14's conclusion have unearthed a lot of controversy, and it all began with the Nov. 22 announcement that new hosts Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough had been dismissed.

Union and Hough joined the talent competition for season 14 and subsequently became two of the most popular hosts of the season. Initially believed to be an amicable parting, reports soon revealed that alleged behind-the-scenes tension led to their firings. Various sources claimed that Union and Hough complained about AGT's "toxic culture," with Union repeatedly raising concerns on several racially insensitive situations. Couple these allegations with those that Union was given feedback about her hair being "too black" for AGT audiences, and NBC has a serious problem.

Though Union has remained mum on the situation, there have been plenty of A-list celebrities ready to chime in with their thoughts, as well as responses from both NBC and SAG-AFTRA. Keep reading for a detailed timeline on everything that's happened since Union's firing was announced.

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Nov. 22, 2019: Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough Leave America's Got Talent

On Nov. 22, news broke that Union and Hough were officially not returning for another season of the NBC competition show. Both women joined the judges panel for season 14, which aired over the Summer. Their short stint on the show is the second time a judge has left after one season. Brandy Norwood, an original AGT judge, was replaced by Sharon Osbourne after the series's debut season.

Image Source: Getty / Rachel Luna

Nov. 24, 2019: Reports Reveal Union Was Fired For Speaking Out Against "Problematic" Situations

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.

Image Source: Getty / Gregg DeGuire

Nov. 26, 2019: Hough Denies Reports She Received Criticism on AGT Set

On Nov. 26, Hough broke her silence over her dismissal after reports surfaced that she received so much critique on her physical appearance — including her hair, makeup, and wardrobe — that it "impacted her morale and led to tensions."

"I had a wonderful time on America's Got Talent, I loved working with the cast, crew, and producers. I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC," she told Variety. "I'm looking forward to what the future holds."

Hough's near future includes two upcoming NBC shows she is slated to star in: Holidays With the Houghs, featuring her brother Derek, and Christmas in Rockefeller Centre in December.

Image Source: Getty / Tibrina Hobson

Nov. 27, 2019: Celebrities Begin Speaking Out on Behalf of Union

Soon after Union's controversial firing was revealed, celebrities began rallying behind her and slamming NBC. 2020 presidential hopeful Julián Castro praised Union for speaking out, tweeting, "Corporate America tells employees and consumers they take racism and sexism seriously. But often the person reporting the problem is hurt by management. Kudos to @itsgabrielleu for having the courage to speak out. Still waiting for answers from @nbc."

Grey's Anatomy's Ellen Pompeo echoed Castro's thoughts in a series of tweets, writing, "I support @itsgabrielleu's commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage." The ABC leading lady went on to address the importance of solidarity among women in workplaces, possibly referring to Hough's denial of issues with NBC. "Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women. If you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do," she wrote.

NBC stars Debra Messing and Jameela Jamil also chimed in online, as well as Ariana Grande and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Union responded in a tweet thanking everyone for their messages. "Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone... you got me up off the ground," she wrote.

On Dec. 2, Howard Stern weighed in on the controversy, specifically calling out creator and judge Simon Cowell on his treatment of past female judges. "He sets it up that the men stay, no matter how ugly they are, no matter how old they are, no matter how fat they are, no matter how talentless they are," he said on The Howard Stern Show. Stern served as an AGT judge for four seasons from 2012 through 2015 and added that he believes it's "obvious" that the series consistently switches out female judges for "hotter chicks and younger chicks."

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Nov. 27, 2019: Dwyane Wade Speaks Out Defending His Wife

In a series of tweets, Wade spoke out defending his wife as her firing hit the internet. Noting that Union has been proven to be the most popular AGT judge (as Variety noted, the show's social presence has doubled since Union and Hough joined, with half of 25 million social media impressions engageing directly with Union), Wade championed his wife as an advocate for the Black community and culture.

"As proud as I [was] 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," he wrote. "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."

Image Source: Getty / Emma McIntyre

Dec. 1, 2019: NBC and AGT Producers Announce They're "Working With" Union

On Dec. 1, after the wave of backlash from celebrities and public figures alike, NBC and AGT producers Fremantle and Syco released a statement regarding Union's firing and allegations of toxic work culture.

"We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture," the group said in a joint statement. "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."

Union has yet to comment on the situation, though she did retweet a message by entertainment and culture writer Joelle Monique, outlining the three steps to a "solid apology."

Image Source: Getty / Rodin Eckenroth

Dec. 1, 2019: SAG-AFTRA Launches Investigation Into Union's Departure

On Sunday night, a spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA revealed to Variety that the performers' union had covertly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gabrielle Union's departure from AGT.

"It is our practice to work closely with members who reach out to us and their representatives in instances like this, as that usually affords the best protection and best resolution for the affected member," the union said in a statement. "Our enforcement action is usually handled confidentially to protect the member involved, and we typically do not publicize these matters unless the member requests that we do so. While we have taken steps to investigate this matter, we have nothing to report now."

Image Source: Getty / Frazer Harrison

Dec. 2, 2019: Time's Up Now Petitions NBC to Take Union's Allegations Seriously

On Dec. 2, President and CEO of Time's Up Now Tina Tchen released a statement saying Union's experience "is exemplary of the double bind that black women face at work."

"Not only did Union reportedly endure and witness racist and inappropriate behaviour – including racially-insensitive comments and excessive criticism about her physical appearance – but it also appears she was punished for speaking out," she added. "The company labeled her as 'difficult' before ousting her from the show altogether."

Time's Up launched a petition to "Stand with Gabrielle Union and Demand Accountability from NBC," which urges NBC to take concrete steps to foster a safe and equitable workplace.

Image Source: Getty / Monica Schipper