SAG-AFTRA has launched an investigation into Gabrielle Union‘s controversial firing from NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
Union was reportedly fired from the reality competition series after expressing concerns over several offensive workplace incidents and was allegedly criticized for her hairstyles being “too Black.”
The union that advocates for actors, TV personalities, journalists and singers issued a statement via Deadline, saying, “We take issues of workplace health and safety very seriously. We immediately reached out to Ms. Union’s representatives when these reports came to light. It is our practice to work closely with members who reach out to us and their representatives in instances like this, as that usually affords the best protection and best resolution for the affected member.”
“For certain matters, our investigation and enforcement needs to happen independently and we are prepared to handle this issue accordingly, as warranted,” the statement continued. “Our enforcement action is usually handled confidentially to protect the member involved, and we typically do not publicize these matters unless the member requests that we do so. While we have taken steps to investigate this matter, we have nothing to report now.”
The news of an investigation comes hours after NBC and the show’s producer said they were “working with” Union following her exit.
“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,” the network said last week.
Last week, Union thanked fans for their support, writing on Twitter, “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.”
Her husband, Dwyane Wade, wrote on Twitter last week that he initially asked “why” his wife was being fired from America’s Got Talent, especially when reports said she was the most popular judge on social media.
He continued in a tweet, “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.”
“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,” he continued. “So [cheers] to you @itsgabrielleu on not losing sight of the lessons we’ve talked about teaching our daughter [Kaavia] and for kicking ass while you were on that platform. Number 1 judge on one of the biggest shows in the world.”