Former “America’s Got Talent” judge Gabrielle Union and NBC have closed the chapter and have reached a settlement with one another. After the actress allegedly claimed that she was removed from the show wrongfully and accused the series of workplace toxicity.
Conditions on the settlement have yet to be made public.
“We’ve reached an amicable resolution,” said NBC and Union’s spokespeople in a joint statement. “NBC Entertainment appreciates the important concerns raised by Gabrielle Union and remains committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds can be treated with respect.”
In November, Union alleged that she dealt with many forms of racism and health violations in the form of producer Simon Cowell on-set smoking after the show. The 47-year-old actress, who is married to now retired NBA star Dwyane Wade, also took offense to a racist joke from guest judge Jay Leno and a depiction of blackface from a contestant that was not checked by producers. In addition, also claimed Paul Telegdy, Chairman the NBC Entertainment, threatened her for speaking out against the work culture. With this, the superstar actress filed a harassment complaint in California, against “AGT”.
“Do I cave? I didn’t feel like myself; I’m shape-shifting to make myself more palatable,” said Union in a Variety cover story. “I’m contorting myself into something I don’t recognize. I had to look at myself and say, ‘Do you want to keep it easy? Or do you want to be you, and stand up?’ Because I’m not the only one being poisoned at work.”
There was reportedly an internal investigation that was never formally completed. To which, NBC, as well as FremantleMedia, stated they found no evidence of systemic racism. However, did admit that they made significant changes to the human resources reporting process for employees at numerous parties involved in the program.
“If I can’t speak out with the privilege that I have, and the benefits that my husband and I have, what is the point of making it?What is the point of having a seat at the table and protecting your privilege when you’re not doing s— to help other people? It’s absolutely terrifying to speak truth to power about anything. I’m trying not to be terrified, and some days are better than others,” Union stated
