It has been almost a year since it was announced that Gabrielle Union would no longer be a judge on “America’s Got Talent.” She filed some harassment and discrimination complaints following her departure, and now it’s all over. Deets on the settlement with NBC inside…
It's finally over!
Folks have been giving NBC the side-eye since ever since former “America’s Got Talent” host Nick Cannon put the network on blast for threatening to terminate him over jokes he made during a SHOWTIME stand-up comedy special. He walked away from hosting the show after 8 seasons.
Fast forward to a few years later and there was drama surrounding former “AGT” judge Gabrielle Union after she didn't make a return for Season 15 of the hit competition show. In November 2019, there were conflicting stories about whether Gabby was FIRED from the show for speaking out about “problematic” racism and sexism going on behind-the-scenes.
Then, ish got real when the “Being Mary Jane” star filed a discrimination complaint with California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing against “AGT” judge/executive producer Simon Cowell, Universal TV, Syco Entertainment and Freemantle Productions North America over the summer. It was also reported she filed a separate complaint against “AGT” judge Simon Cowell.
In the paperwork, even MORE accusations about the toxic work environment. She alleged NBC Entertainment Chairman Paul Telegdy tried to "silence and intimidate" her over speaking out against racism on set.
It was alleged that producers hounded the “L.A.’s Finest” star about her physical appearance, which included critiquing the hairstyles she wore that were considered “too black” for viewers. She is said to have received this note from producers “half a dozen times.” Also, late night talk show host Jay Leno made a racist joke during a taping of the show.
On top of the rumors, “AGT” host Terry Crews seemingly threw her under the bus. Ish got crazy, especially since Gabby didn’t lay out the full detailed story about what exactly happened amid the controversy. However, she likely did that on purpose in order to file the necessary paperwork to make them pay. And now, she’s collecting her coins.
"We've reached an amicable resolution," reads a joint statement from Gabrielle and the network. "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."
No word on details of the settlement. Hmph.
Speaking of Gabby…
The FLAWLESS haircare honcho has been through a lot dealing with "AGT," but, her 13-year-old trans stepdaughter, Zaya Wade, has inspired her to keep it pushing. The "Bring It On" star praised her stepdaughter for living in her truth despite what anyone else has to say.
“Freedom exists in so many different forms, but we are so blessed to be in a household where we have free children. We have a daughter that is almost 2, that the world has seen, is bound to nothing but whatever is in her heart and on her soul at the moment. And it’s beautiful to watch truly free children," she said.
“We have another daughter who is 13, who has the freedom to be exactly who she is, who she was born to be, to be her most authentic self. She doesn’t ask permission to exist. It’s wildly inspiring.”
Both Gabby and her hubby/former NBA player Dwyane Wade were featured in TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential people issue and he talked about how their kids have inspired him as well.
“To echo my wife, I’m inspired by our kids," he said. "The way they look at us, the way they look to us, for leadership and guidance, for their moments of bravery.”
Loves it.
In other Gabby news...
The YBF actress joined Sterling K. Brown, Uzo Aduba and more for a "Zoom Where It Happens" table read as an all-black "Friends" cast, following the all-black "Golden Girls" cast. Ironically, Gabby was one of the few black people to be featured on "Friends." Crazy.
Sterling played Ross, Uzo played Phoebe, Sterling's wife/actress Ryan Michelle Bathe played Rachel, Aisha Hinds was Monica, Jeremy Pope played Chandler. Kendrick Sampson played Joey, Gabby hosted and narrated, and Cynthia Erivo popped in to sing the theme song.
Peep a clip of the Zoom show below:
By the way, Bring It On (Gabrielle's breakout role) recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and a remake is supposedly in the works.
Photo: DFree/Shutterstock.com
source: theybf
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