After Gabrielle Union was fired from America’s Got Talent, an internal investigation was launched after allegations that Union was criticized for appearing “too black” in her hairstyles and demeanor, as well as the fact that she spoke up after guest judge Jay Leno made a racist joke while he was on set.
At the time, NBC released a statement claiming that they were working with Union to get to the bottom of the situation.
“We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture. 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.”
When discussions were eventually underway, Union tweeted out that there had been lengthy meetings where she was allowed to speak her piece.
“We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday. I was able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.”
Time’s Up also got involved, speaking out against NBC’s apparent pattern in treating its female employees.
“Union’s story is deeply troubling on its own, but her experience is particularly problematic because it follows a pattern of NBCUniversal protecting the careers of powerful men at the expense of women who speak out. Union’s experience shows that NBCUniversal still has a lot of work to do to change its culture so discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are no longer tolerated at the company. Building a culture of safety and equity requires continuous, intentional work sustained over a long period of time – even when a company isn’t in the throes of a crisis.”
We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday. I was able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) December 4, 2019
Just because she’s working with NBC to get to the bottom of the situation doesn’t mean Union is over what happened. Quite the opposite. She shared a post on Instagram highlighting the outfits and hairstyles that were deemed “too black” with a beautifully defiant caption.
“Unapologetically me. Be comfortable and confident with your whole ass self. It might give others the fluuuxxx but never stop being you. You can shine on your own terms. And if you got something to say [shrug emoji] I dont take notes rooted in anti-blackness. I love me as I am.”
Plenty of people have made it clear that they support Union, and the fan response in the comment section was no different. People loved seeing Union embrace her beauty in the way that she wanted to no matter what anyone else thought.
“We love you as you are too! STAN!”
“Always love your looks”
“To say you’re stunning understates the many and varied ways you’re beautiful. What a gift it is to watch you shine”
“But you look oh so perfect!!!! And not aging at all btw …”
Union isn’t backing down at all, nor should she. Go Gabrielle!
