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Dwyane Wade Speaks out on Wife Gabrielle Union's Unexpected AGT Exit and Praises Her Amid Firing Controversy

Mary Scott
Nov 29, 2019
10:20 P.M.

Dwyane Wade is speaking out in support of his wife, Gabrielle Union, following her controversial exit from judge duties on the NBC unscripted series "America’s Got Talent."

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News broke late last week that Union would not be returning to AGT. There were also reports that the actress was fired for taking a stand against racial insensitivity, and Wade's remarks seem to be a confirmation.

Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade hugging outside Hermes during Paris Fashion Week on June 24, 2017 in France | Photo: Getty Images

Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade hugging outside Hermes during Paris Fashion Week on June 24, 2017 in France | Photo: Getty Images

On Wednesday, the retired NBA legend took to Twitter to share his take on the issue. "Men lie, Women lie, numbers don't," he began, adding that a lot of people told him Union was the reason they watched Season 14 of AGT.

Another instance where Union reportedly spoke up again involved a white male contestant who auditioned with an act where he impersonated Beyoncé

"So when I got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!?" Wade continued. "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."

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That latter part of Wade’s tweet implies that his wife was booted off because she stood for her beliefs, something the former athlete all but said in his next tweet.

Wade said while he was proud of Union for getting the AGT judge gig, he was prouder that she stood up for "what she stands for and that's US."

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"So [cheers emoji] 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."

THE EXIT

Wade and Union tied the knot in 2014 and welcomed their daughter, Kaavia, last year via surrogacy. The actress often shared photos and videos with Kaavia while at work on AGT.

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Word got out last Friday that Union and her co-judge Julianne Hough would not be returning to AGT after spending only one season on the show.

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SUBSEQUENT CLAIMS

Almost immediately, several news outlets began to quote sources claiming there was friction between Union and the executive producers after she voiced some of her race-related concerns throughout the season.

"There were some issues this past season and for a well-oiled machine like AGT that just wasn’t going to work going into next year," one source reportedly told Deadline.

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RACIAL TENSIONS

According to PEOPLE, a new report by Variety claimed Union had expressed displeasure one time when guest judge Jay Leno allegedly made a joke hinged on the stereotype that all Asians eat dog meat.

Another instance where Union reportedly spoke up again involved a white male contestant who auditioned with an act where he impersonated Beyoncé and allegedly came on stage with black hands.

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STATEMENT FROM NBC

Union, Hough, Leno, and show creator Simon Cowell have not addressed the claims, but Wade’s latest tweet series may be a strong indication of what the "Bring It On" alum thinks.

NBC and AGT production company Fremantle, however, released a statement that appears to deny the growing speculations:

"America’s Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show. The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT’s enduring popularity. NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously."

Union and Hough came on board the AGT train for its 14th season following the exit of longtime judges Mel B and Heidi Klum. Their replacements have not been announced for Season 15.

Union currently stars alongside Jessica Alba on the TV series "L.A’s Finest." The cop drama was renewed for a second season in June.

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