12 Stars Supporting Gabrielle Union in Her ‘America’s Got Talent’ Drama (PHOTOS)
Dwyane Wade
The NBA star posted a series of tweets in his wife’s defense. “‘Men lie, Women lie, numbers don’t.’ Over this past year, I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife, @itsgabrielleu, is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show,” he wrote.
“So when I got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why?! I am still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her, you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture. As proud as I [was] of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— I am even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that’s US. So [cheers] to you @itsgabrielleu on not losing sight of the lessons we’ve talked about teaching our daughter and for kicking ass while you were on that platform. Number 1 judge on one of the biggest shows in the world!”
Ellen Pompeo
“It’s unfortunate that @nbc, the same network that protected disgusting men like Matt Lauer and punished women for speaking out or not putting up with it, has not changed their practices or culture,” the Grey’s Anatomy lead tweeted. “I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage.”
She continued: “Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women. If you go for self in these moments, you undermine the work we are out here trying to do. Obviously, this network feels like they can operate like this and it’s okay.”
Pompeo also cited her show’s previous “culture issues,” which she exposed in June. “The point is… exec producers and the NETWORK @abc cared enough to help us make change support,” she tweeted.
Ariana Grande
“Thank you for this @EllenPompeo,” the pop star responded. “Be better @nbc. we’re with you @itsgabrielleu.”
Debra Messing
The Will & Grace star also echoed Pompeo’s sentiments, tweeting, “Thank you for this @EllenPompeo. This is disgusting behavior from a network that has been my professional home for decades. Yes, women become ‘difficult,’ when their insistence on a respectful and professional working environment, is ignored. Addressing a hostile work environment is inconvenient when there is a huge money-making machine that is involved. It is cowardice, greed, and protection of the status quo revealed. Being ‘hands off,’ is inexcusable and reflects a laissez-faire attitude toward systemic racism and sexism. @itsgabrielleu.”
Tamron Hall
“@itsgabrielleu has this way of encouraging people to speak their truth,” the daytime talk show host wrote on Twitter. “She did that for me on many occasions. I’m proud of her for owning her story and her truth.”
Kerry Washington
After the organization Color of Change called for Twitter followers to petition NBC, the Scandal alum replied, “I love you. I stan you. And I stand with you @itsgabrielleu.”
Jameela Jamil
“I am lucky to work with really good people at @nbc and am sad and angry to know this has been going on in that same network,” the Good Place actress tweeted. “I stand with @itsgabrielleu all the way. They should bring her back, with a big raise, and remove @SimonCowell instead.”
Patricia Arquette
“This is terrible,” the star of The Act wrote to Union on Twitter. “You should not be penalized for trying to have a workplace that honors the rule of law in the workplace.”
Alyssa Milano
“.@itsgabrielleu, I’m so grateful my daughter has you to look up to,” the Charmed alum tweeted. “Shine on, Gab. I see you. I’m watching, in total awe of you. So thankful there is you. And so hopeful because of you.”
Sophia Bush
The Chicago P.D. alum hailed TIME’S UP’s petition calling for accountability from NBC. “I’m so glad @TIMESUPNOW is joining @itsgabrielleu and all of us who stand behind her in calling for accountability & concrete action from @NBCUniversal leadership,” she tweeted. “Toxic culture needs to be taken seriously.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda
“Team @itsgabrielleu, always,” the His Dark Materials actor wrote on Twitter.
Julian Castro
“Corporate America tells employees and consumers they take racism and sexism seriously. But often the person reporting the problem is hurt by management,” the Democratic presidential hopeful tweeted. “Kudos to @itsgabrielleu for having the courage to speak out. Still waiting for answers from @nbc.”
Gabrielle Union is fighting for “real change” after she was let go from the America’s Got Talent judging panel after just one season of the show, and she has an army of celebrities behind her.
Union’s exit reportedly came after she filed a complaint over a racist joke allegedly made by guest judge Jay Leno during filming in April. Additionally, she’s also said to have complained about a contestant’s racially insensitive costume, and she was allegedly told that her hair was “too black” for the audience of the NBC talent competition.
Union tweeted on December 4 that she had a “productive” 5-hour meeting about the situation and that she was able to express her “unfiltered” truth. “I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change,” she added.
Fremantle and Syco Entertainment, the production companies behind AGT, said in a statement that they are “committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture” and “are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns.”
In the meantime, scroll through the gallery above to see how Union’s fellow Hollywood stars have advocated for her in recent days.
