Former judges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough were not just removed from America’s Got Talent due to budget constraints; insiders reveal their exit stemmed from complaints about a toxic work culture within the show.
The controversy intensified after a guest appearance by Jay Leno, who made an offensive joke about a painting of Simon Cowell surrounded by dogs. This joke, perceived as perpetuating negative stereotypes about Asian cultures, prompted Union to urge producers to report the incident to NBC’s human resources. However, it was reportedly never escalated.
Union’s concerns about racial insensitivity were not isolated. During her tenure, she and other staff members raised alarms over a contestant’s performance that involved racial caricatures. Although Union advocated for the performer’s removal, producers decided to let the audition proceed, a move that was ultimately reversed when the performance aired.
Following the season’s conclusion, both Union and Hough were cut from the judging panel, despite initial indications that their contracts might be renewed. Sources suggest that Union faced excessive scrutiny over her appearance, including feedback that her hairstyles were “too black” for the show’s audience.
NBC and AGT producers emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and diversity, but the controversies have sparked discussions about the show’s culture. Union’s departure follows a pattern, as former host Nick Cannon had also accused the network of insensitivity and censorship during his time on the show.
Despite a recent decline in viewership, Union’s presence notably boosted the show’s social media engagement, raising questions about the impact of these recent decisions on AGT’s future.
