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Ellen Pompeo from 'Grey's Anatomy' Supports Gabrielle Union in a Series of Tweets Amid AGT Firing Drama

Mary Scott
Dec 01, 2019
01:40 A.M.

Ellen Pompeo has gone public with her support for Gabrielle Union in light of the latter's controversial exit from NBC's "America's Got Talent." Union was allegedly fired for speaking up against cases of racial insensitivity.

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Reactions have been trailing the news that Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough, would not be returning for AGT's upcoming season. Pompeo recently joined the conversation as she called out NBC in a series of tweets.

Ellen Pompeo at the Summer TCA Tour on August 4, 2015 in California | Photo: Getty Images

Ellen Pompeo at the Summer TCA Tour on August 4, 2015 in California | Photo: Getty Images

"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," she wrote, noting the former Today show anchor's 2017 firing over sexual misconduct allegations.

Hough, who is reportedly set to star in two upcoming NBC Christmas specials, has since denied having a negative experience

"I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage," Pompeo added.

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Gabrielle Union visits at SiriusXM Studio on Nov. 1, 2016 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Gabrielle Union visits at SiriusXM Studio on Nov. 1, 2016 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

In another tweet, the "Grey's Anatomy" star called on "white girls" to join the fight against racial injustice, whether they truly understand what it means or not.

Noting that "workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women," Pompeo again criticized NBC for their alleged mistreatment of Union.

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Expressing her displeasure further, Pompeo called for a boycott of the Simon Cowell-created show:

"With that said GIRLS....instead of wack jugglers and messy Simon Cowell watch [Reese Witherspoon] and Jennifer Anniston in The Morning Show!! Soooo much better. Hard to believe these networks are still getting away with this. Our work continues @itsgabrielleu."

ARMY OF SUPPORTERS

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Pompeo joins a growing list of fans and celebrities speaking out against executive producers of AGT for allegedly firing Union because she raised some race-related concerns.

A couple of days ago, Union's husband, Dwyane Wade, also joined that list. The retired NBA star called his wife "an advocate for our community and culture" and said he was proud of her for staying true to her principles.

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THE CONTROVERSY

After news broke last week that Union and Hough would not be reprising their roles as judges in AGT's Season 15, People reported an explosive Variety report where sources recalled friction between the actress and executive producers.

Union allegedly spoke up against some instances of racial insensitivity, including one time when guest judge Jay Leno reportedly 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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OFFICIAL RESPONSE

NBC and AGT production company Fremantle, however, released a statement denying 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."

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HOUGH SAYS SHE'S FINE

Variety's report also included more shocking claims of Union being told that her continually changing hairstyles were "too black" while Hough was allegedly criticized on her appearance.

Hough, who is reportedly set to star in two upcoming NBC Christmas specials, has since denied having a negative experience while working on AGT.

"I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC," her statement read in part, via People. "I'm looking forward to what the future holds."

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UNION SPEAKS UP

In her first public reaction to the controversy, Union tweeted on Wednesday:

"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."

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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