Gabrielle Union’s firing controversy is tarnishing America’s Got Talent’s reputation. That seems to be the consensus following a tumultuous 14th season of the hit show. In November 2019, it was first reported that judges Union and Julianne Hough were unceremoniously fired from their posts. This was not the first time that the show burned through personnel, but the terminations did raise an eyebrow or two.
Weeks later in December, news broke that the aforementioned firings had less to do with impropriety on the parts of Hough and Union, and more to do with a toxic workplace. As the controversy grew, fans and celebrities alike began to side with the embattled actresses. However, Hough was quick to distance herself from the negativity, leaving Union to weather the storm alone. Instead of skulking silently, Union and her husband, former NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade, went public with their disdain for the work environment on the America’s Got Talent set. She was so successful in rallying the cause that NBC held a reported five-hour meeting with her to discuss her concerns and get closure on the situation. The network vowed that changes in policy were imminent, should any of her claims prove true.
America’s Got Talent is known for its wholesome showcase of family-friendly performances. From magicians and singers to comedians and dancers, folks throughout the country tune in and champion these contestants. The show has also been successful in bringing each participant’s personal struggles to light, allowing viewers to bond with them. Knowing that the very same judges who are gifting these talented people with opportunities they might not get otherwise are enduring emotional and verbal abuses is a blow to the brand. After all, this is an aspirational program about hope and escape and joy - not horrible bosses and sketchy coworkers.
Further tarnishing the show’s reputation will be the noticeable absences of the latest judges. No matter who takes the place in their vacant seats, those weeks of accusations will loom overhead like a dark cloud. A veritable time clock will slowly tick, leaving fans to wonder, “How long before this person loses their job?” Will viewers even want to invest in a new judge, knowing the show’s track record with replacing its cast? These things will be on everyone’s mind, and that leaves less attention to focus on the people on stage.
Anytime news of a discordant workplace is revealed, it only seeks to polarize those on either side of the argument. Union spoke up about things that are, in fact, not appropriate in the the workplace, according to California state law. It’s not appropriate for any employee to smoke indoors. The fact that this was happening and no one complained because the alleged culprit was producer and head judge Simon Cowell is concerning. Racially derisive epithets are also an issue for Human Resources. Yet, there were employees who felt that their silence and complicity was safer than their outcries. Union’s own financial stability is her superpower; it allowed her to exercise her voice in the face of adversity without worrying too much about her bottom line. Moving forward, viewers who loved the show are likely to return, curious about the new judges added to the panel. However, it’s safe to say that the once-shiny glow of America’s Got Talent has a dingy patina, now that fans know about the reported shame and pain one must endure to work there.
More: Julianne Hough Supports Gabrielle Union’s Meeting With America’s Got Talent & NBC
Source: Parade
