Gabrielle Union plans to meet in person with NBC representatives to discuss her dismissal from “America’s Got Talent,” a person close to the production confirmed to TheWrap Monday.
Representatives for Union didn’t immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment, and NBCUniversal declined to comment.
However, an individual with knowledge of the situation told Deadline that there are no plans in place for Union to return to the show. “Gabrielle believes there is a toxicity that has become normalized at Talent,” and, “She wants to help fix that, because she loved a lot of her time on the show last season, even with the issues with Simon and what have you,” the individual told Deadline. “She could never go back, even if they did a 360 and asked her for another season, no.”
On Sunday, NBC and “America’s Got Talent” producers Fremantle and Syco said in a joint statement that they are working with Union to hear “her concerns” about “workplace culture” and “take whatever next steps” are appropriate.
“We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture,” the trio said Sunday in a joint statement. “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.”
It was announced on Nov. 22 that Union, along with fellow “AGT” judge Julianne Hough, would not be returning for next year’s Season 15. Union’s contract was not renewed following several behind-the-scenes incidents and what showrunners described as “difficult” behavior, Vulture reported.
According to Vulture, Union complained about judge Simon Cowell smoking indoors; a remark made during taping by guest judge Jay Leno she deemed to be a racist that did not make it to air; and misgendering of contestants. (When asked about Union’s firing, Leno told TMZ, “She’s a great girl”). In addition, Vulture reported that Union had supported a 10-year-old African American rapper’s advancement in the competition before being told that the show needed “an act America can get behind.”
On Nov. 28, an NBC spokesperson told TheWrap: “‘America’s Got Talent’ has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show. The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT’s enduring popularity. NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously.”
Deadline was first to report the news of a sit-down meeting.