Former America’s Got Talent host, Gabrielle Union, has filed an official complaint to NBC Universal. Union claimed she was let go for repeatedly bringing up complaints of the show’s alleged racist and problematic work culture. NBC, nor Union, have confirmed whether she was fired or not.
America’s Got Talent is one of NBC’s highest-performing programs. her departure in November 2019, was ongoing as she attempted to negotiate with NBC executives.
Yashar Ali shared the news of Union’s lawsuit on Twitter. The complaint was filed against NBC Universal, Fremantle US, Simon Cowell, and Syco Entertainment. Union will later be filing a separate suit against Cowell. Union’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, alleged Chairman of NBC Entertainment, Paul Telegdy, threatened Union to keep her from sharing the truth about racist actions taking place on America’s Got Talent. Check out the official statement from Union's attorney in the tweet below:
One notable instance of racism concerned a proposed contestant Union ed. Union stood behind a 10-year-old black rapper but was allegedly told the rapper couldn’t be picked because they needed a contestant "America could get behind." Union felt the comment was discriminatory because it implied America couldn’t get behind a black contestant. They then choose a white dance troupe from Texas instead. Union also rose complaints about Cowell’s indoor smoking habit. Smoking in an enclosed workspace is against California law. The smoke was particularly irritating to Union as she is allergic to cigarette smoke.
The suit comes after outrage at acts of racism. Black Lives Matter.” The statement drew outrage as it contradicted NBC’s actions in Union’s ongoing attempts to resolve complaints. If Union’s claims are true ut her time on America's Got Talent, the statement contradicts NBC executives’ repeated actions in regard to racism in the workplace.
Source: Yashar Ali