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The surprising TV scandal that’s dividing Hollywood

Some of TV’s biggest names are weighing in on reports of shocking behaviour behind the scenes of a family-friendly talent show.
From left, Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell on the set of America's Got Talent. Picture: NBC via APSource:AP

From left, Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell on the set of America's Got Talent. Picture: NBC via APSource:AP

Former America’s Got Talent judge Gabrielle Union’s abrupt departure from the hit TV talent show has become a topic of fierce debate in Hollywood, with stars weighing in on both sides.

It was announced last week that former Bring It On star Union, 47, and fellow judge Julianne Hough were both leaving the show after just one season.

From left, Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell on the set of America's Got Talent. Picture: NBC via AP
From left, Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell on the set of America's Got Talent. Picture: NBC via APSource:AP

 

Variety reported that Union was forced out because she spoke out against the alleged “toxic” workplace culture at the NBC singing show, including protesting at the use of racially insensitive jokes and performances, and attempting to get fellow judge Simon Cowell to stop smoking on set.

Union’s outspoken criticism of the culture on set earned her a reputation as “difficult” that directly led to her firing after only a year, the Variety report alleged.

IN UNION’S CORNER

 

Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo has spoken up. Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo has spoken up. Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImageSource:Getty Images

 

 
As has Will and Grace star Debra Messing. Picture: Stan
As has Will and Grace star Debra Messing. Picture: StanSource:Supplied

 

Several high-profile stars have come out in support of Union, among them Will and Grace actress Debra Messing, who slammed NBC, the home of her own hit sitcom. “This is disgusting behaviour from a network that has been my professional home for decades. Yes, women become ‘difficult,’ when their insistence on a respectful and professional working environment, is ignored,” she tweeted.

“Addressing a hostile work 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.”

Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo also slammed the network for their handling of Union’s complaints:
 



 

Former Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria also publicly supported Union, calling her treatment “unacceptable”:

‘I DIDN’T GET LET GO’

Some of the criticisms levelled at America’s Got Talent in the wake of Union’s axing regard the treatment of women on the show, which has churned through multiple female judges while male judges Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell stayed put.

Indeed, Union’s departure from the show came at the same time as fellow judge Julianne Hough left — but Hough denied her departure was a result of the workplace environment described in the same report from Variety.
 

Sharon Osbourne, right, with fellow AGT judge Howie Mandel in 2010. Picture: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
Sharon Osbourne, right, with fellow AGT judge Howie Mandel in 2010. Picture: AP Photo/Chris PizzelloSource:AP

 

Sharon Osbourne was a judge on America’s Got Talent for six seasons until 2012 — and this week revealed that her experiences did not square with Union’s.

“It’s hard. Everybody’s experience on a show is different, and I was at that show for six years. I didn’t get let go. I left.”

“I left. And that’s the truth. I left because of NBC, not because of the show. I had my own problems with the network. I don’t know about any of her concerns about the show,” she said.

“Obviously, there wasn’t anybody of colour on the panel when I was there. So, I honestly can’t say. But when I was there it was, you know, a great show to work on.”

And America’s Got Talent host Terry Crews copped flak this week for his brief public response to Union’s departure from the show. “You’re the best, Gabrielle! You will be missed!” he tweeted — which some fans felt was an inadequate response given Union had publicly supported Crews when he accused Hollywood agent Adam Venit of groping him in 2017.

“Oh Terry. This is all you’ve got? That’s a shame,” wrote one follower.

“This is disappointing Terry. She stood up for you when you needed it and this is how you repay her?” asked another.

NBC RESPONDS

Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent.
Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent.Source:Supplied

 

 
Gabrielle Union. Picture: Invision/AP
Gabrielle Union. Picture: Invision/APSource:AP

 

NBC and the producers of America’s Got Talent previously released a joint statement in response to backlash from Union’s firing.

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.”

“We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture,” the joint statement continued. “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 last week broke her public silence about the scandal, thanking her supporters and revealing she had felt “lost, adrift, alone”:


Source: News Corp Australia Network:

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