Gabrielle Union Throws Shade at Simon Cowell After Company Releases Statement
"America's Got Talent" producers appear to be scrambling from the rush of negative PR following Gabrielle Union's firing, and although they have released a new statement claiming there are discussions going on, the former judge is making it clear -- put up or shut up.
On Sunday, Simon Cowell's company, Syco Entertainment, which produces AGT, released a joint statement with NBC and production company Fremantle:
“We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture."
The statement also claimed, "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."
Gabby's Response
Minutes after the new statement from "AGT," Union took to Twitter and retweeted a message from a fan outlining what a "solid apology" should contain.
"1. Sincerely admit wrong doing directly to the offended party."
"2. Be twice as loud correcting your mistake as you were making the mistake."
"3. Lay out steps to correct your behavior in the future."
The message adds that anything less is just an attempt at "covering your own ass." Union proudly posted the message to her own Twitter feed and captioned it, "This! This! and THIIISSSSSS!!!!"
Fans were supportive of Union's new message, responding with comments like, "Right is RIGHT!...Wrong is WRONG!....nobody is perfect, but being able to apologize, and to make an honest effort to better the situation is always key."
Changing Their Tune?
The new statement from "AGT" execs is pretty different than what their first put out following allegations about Union's treatment on the show. Immediately after rumors began to circulate that she had been treated unfairly, and had allegedly been subjected to criticism over her physical appearance, NBC said:
"America’s Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show. 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."
What About Julianne Hough?
Even though the discussion has centered around Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough was also axed from the show, however, she claims to have had a different experience.
“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 said in a statement following news of her departure.
However, Hough's non-issue with the alleged toxic environment at NBC could have something to do with some upcoming specials she already has slated with the network, namely “Holidays With the Houghs,” costarring her brother Derek, and “Christmas in Rockefeller Center."
Dwyane Wade Has Her Back
In one of her most trying moments, Gabrielle Union is finding a lot of support in her husband, former NBA star Dwyane Wade. He was one of the first to come out and voice his opinion over his wife's firing from "AGT."
"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," Wade wrote in a Twitter rant that took several posts.
"So when I got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!?” Wade continued. “I am 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.”
"As proud as I were 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. So [cheers] 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."
