Gabrielle UnionandJulianne Hough‘s departure from theAmerica’s Got Talentwas reportedly the result of a “toxic” workplace culture at the NBC talent competition show.
She and Hough, 31, were also both subject to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance,Varietyalleges.
Representatives for Hough, Union, Leno, andSimon Cowell‘s Syco Entertainment did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Trae Patton/NBC (2)
BlogLove B Scottwas first to report about complaints Union had allegedly made prior to her departure, an NBC source saying that she had spoken out about “problematic” situations on set.
Sources on the series told the outlet that Leno allegedly joked the dogs looked like something one would find “on the menu at a Korean restaurant,” alluding to the stereotype that all Asian people eat dog meat.
In another instance, sources toldVarietythat Union found herself again speaking up against racial insensitivity when a white male contestant auditioned with an act where he portrayed people of color and impersonated singers through multiple quick costume changes.
During his performance, the man impersonatedBeyoncéand according toVariety‘s sources, emerged with black hands. The audition didn’t sit well with Union and she allegedly addressed the matter with a segment producer and an executive producer, explaining that the audience should not have to watch something so “racially insensitive.”
After the actress requested that they remove the audition from the show, the producers allegedly told her, “We’ll take it out later.”
Like Leno’s dog joke, the contestant’s audition was also reportedly cut from the show.
Trae Patton/NBC
Variety‘s report went on to claim that Union and Hough often received “excessive notes” on their appearance — noting that Union was allegedly told that her ever-changing hairstyles were “too black” forAGT‘s audience, while Hough received constant criticism on her hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
In Hough’s case, the critique reportedly began to negatively impact the star’s morale and eventually led to tensions on the show. However, in a statement toVariety, the dancer/actress denied that she had a negative experience working on the show.
“I had a wonderful time onAmerica’s Got Talent, I loved working with the cast, crew, and producers. I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC,” said Hough, who is set to star in two upcoming NBC Christmas specials. “I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”
When it came to Union’s critique, four sources toldVarietythat the actress allegedly received the note “over half a dozen times.” But one NBC insider denied the frequency of that feedback and claimed that it was given to both judges due to their hair continuity throughout the episodes.
It has yet to be announced who will replace Hough and Union for the upcoming season.
Judges Cowell and Howie Mandel are expected to be back for the next season. HostTerry Crews— who also joined the show during season 14, taking over hosting duties fromTyra Banks— is also expected to return.
This isn’t the first time that NBC executives have been involved with apparent tensions regarding their on-air talent. In 2017,Nick Cannonannounced that he would not be returning to host the NBC talent competition series prior to season 12 after “executives” allegedly threatened to fire him because of a racial joke in hisShowtime comedy special.
“There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity,” he wrote at the time. “My soul won’t allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices.”
source: people.com
