Ariana Grande and Ellen Pompeo call out NBC for firing Gabrielle Union from AGT

29 November 2019, 12:32

By Sam Prance

NBC reportedly axed Gabrielle Union from America's Got Talent after she spoke out against racist incidents on set.

Ariana Grande and Ellen Pompeo are taking aim at NBC for removing Gabrielle Union as a judge from America's Got Talent.

Earlier this week (Nov 26), Variety reported that Gabrielle Union had been fired from AGT following a series of complaints she made about racist incidents on set. The publication said that Gabrielle was told "over half a dozen" times that her hairstyles were "'too black' for the audience of AGT". Variety also stated that Gabrielle had spoken out against "racially insensitive" auditions and racist jokes while on the show, urging producers to report them to human resources at NBC.

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Entertainment writer B. Scott has since reported that Gabrielle was terminated from her AGT position specifically for calling out "problematic situations" that occurred while filming AGT. Since the news became public, fans have come together to defend Gabrielle and now celebrities, including Ariana Grande and Ellen Pompeo, are calling out NBC.

Taking to Twitter yesterday (Nov 28), Ellen said: "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. I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage".

Ellen then tweeted: "this is a teaching moment..It’s important..white girls I’m talking to you..whether you truly understand what racial injustice is or not..that you stand with your sisters on the front lines. Don’t cut side deals & don’t not get involved because it isn’t your issue..because it is".

She also added: "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."

Ariana then retweeted Ellen's comments and criticised NBC herself. She wrote: "thank you for this @EllenPompeo. be better @nbc. we’re with you @itsgabrielleu."

Meanwhile, other celebrities including Lena Waithe, Lin Manuel Miranda, Jameela Jamil all spoke out in defence of Gabrielle.

Gabrielle's husband, Dwayne Wade, also tweeted about the situation. 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."

He also wrote: "As proud as i were 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."

In response to the overwhelming public support, Gabrielle tweeted: "So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone... you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever".