Julianne Hough Speaks Out About Gabrielle Union's Exit From 'AGT'
In late November, news broke that America's Got Talent season 14 judges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough would be leaving the NBC variety show.
Previously, NBC announced that for season 2 of AGT: The Champions, which premieres January 6, 2020, Heidi Klum would return to the panel along with newcomer Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon (longtime judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel will be rounding out the table). But now, it sounds like Julianne and Gabrielle won't be on the summer installment of AGT, either — an announcement that comes as a shock, considering both just joined the show this year.
So, why did Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough leave AGT?
It's impossible to call out one single reason as the motivation for both Gabrielle and Julianne's departures. But looking strictly at the ratings, it's possible the numbers have something to do with it. In September 2019, AGT's final episode fell 29% from 2018, hitting an all-time finale low. What's more, total viewership was down 22% from the season 13 finale, according to Deadline.
But it's worth noting that when Mel B and Heidi left after season 13, Simon told USA Today that it was nothing personal and all in the interest of switching things up.
"It wasn't like it wasn't working," he said back in May. "Everyone who's been on the show over the years, judge or host, has done a brilliant job. It's just one of those shows where I think occasionally they just like to rotate the panel."
Over its 14 seasons, the show has rotated through five hosts — Regis Philbin, Jerry Springer, Nick Cannon, Tyra Banks, and now Terry Crews — and nine different judges, including Howard Stern, Piers Morgan, and Sharon Osbourne.
All of that aside, a new Variety report seems to point to the show's alleged "toxic culture" as a possible explanation. According to the publication, the Bring It On actress allegedly took issue with a few behind-the-scenes events during season 14.
The outlet reports that while shooting an episode in April, guest judge Jay Leno made a racially insensitive joke. While taping and looking at a painting of Simon and his dogs, the comedian allegedly said the pups looked like something one would find "on the menu at a Korean restaurant." Gabrielle reportedly urged producers of the show to flag the incident to NBC's human resources department. The issue, however, was apparently never brought to HR, and Jay's comment was edited out. A spokesperson for Jay did not return Variety’s request for comment.
On a separate occasion, a white male contestant's act involved him wearing dark makeup on his hands while dressed like Beyoncé. Variety reports that Gabrielle and others objected to having him perform the bit, but producers disagreed, and let him on stage, saying that they'd "take it out later." The contestant's audition ended up getting cut.
In response to the reports, NBC and Fremantle, AGT's production company, said in a statement, "America’s Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show." The statement also confirmed that the "judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years" and that "NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously."
What's more, Simon's company, Syco Entertainment, also issued a joint statement: "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."
Additionally, sources who agreed to speak to Variety in exchange for anonymity said Gabrielle received numerous critical notes on her hairstyles, which were allegedly deemed "too black" for the AGT audience. A network insider denied the volume of those notes to Variety, claiming that there were only notes about "hair continuity" for both her and Julianne. The publication also spoke to sources who said Julianne received "consistent criticism" about her makeup, wardrobe, and hair.
Also, reports state that Gabrielle complained about Simon smoking indoors, which is illegal in California, where episodes of AGT are filmed.
These reported incidents have emerged months after Gabrielle told Entertainment Tonight that she "loved" the show following the season 14 finale.
"I love the opportunity of being a part of peoples' dreams coming true. I'm on the talent side, where I get rejected every day, and it was nice to really, kind of, go a little deeper with each contestant and really be a part of their dream," she said at the time, before adding, "hopefully they'll have me back."
On December 4, Gabrielle tweeted to her fans that she had a long meeting (supposedly with folks involved with AGT).
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
"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," she said.
In the wake of Variety's claims, Julianne has spoken out about her departure and denied experiencing criticism about her appearance.
“I had a wonderful time on America’s Got Talent, I loved working with the cast, crew, and producers. I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC,” she said in a statement, while citing her upcoming appearances in two NBC specials, Holidays With the Houghs and Christmas in Rockefeller Center.
Julianne did, however, address Gabrielle's exit and her recent meeting with NBC while appearing on the Today show on December 5.
“We need to start conversations and I just commend Gabrielle for speaking her truth and starting a conversation," she said. "I’m really proud of NBC as well for also showing up and starting a narrative, and that’s what’s going to change the work place and the paradigm that we’ve been working in for many many years and is shifting and I think that’s really exciting.”
Both Julianne and Gabrielle already have projects slated for next year. Apart from Julianne's NBC specials, she is set to star in the TV movie One Hit Wendy (she recently appeared in the Netflix Dolly Parton anthology Heartstrings). Meanwhile, Gabrielle's IMDB shows that she will be in a new TV movie called White Dave and a rom-com flick entitled The Perfect Find, while also wrapping up her role on the series L.A.'s Finest.
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