The president for NBC Entertainment says he’s open to changes on America’s Got Talent following the Gabrielle Union firing controversy. It is a story that has embroiled the show throughout its offseason, and it doesn’t appear to be going away just yet.
Union and Julianne Hough were fired after the most recent season of America’s Got Talent. Union raised accusations about racial insensitivity and a toxic workplace culture. She has received support from Hough, and and her husband, Dwyane Wade has been vocal in standing by Union’s side. Past judges, like Sharon Osborne and Howard Stern, have raised similar complaints. Stern called the work environment “the ultimate boys club.” Even Will Smith came to Union’s defense as she has spoken out about issues that implicate Simon Cowell, as well as guest judge Jay Leno. NBC launched an investigation into these allegations, one that is still ongoing.
During the Television Critics Association press tour (via People), president of NBC Entertainment Paul Telegdy said the investigation was “really serious.” He said he wasn’t in position to deny the claims and believes the results of the investigation will be released by the end of January. Telegdy added, “We certainly take anyone’s critique who comes to work here incredibly seriously. If we learn something, we’ll certainly put new practices in place, if necessary.”
Telegdy maintains that the show is “magnificent” and is “a place where you see lives changed forever.” This, of course, has nothing to do with a toxic workplace. The mother of last season’s winner admitted as much, saying, “It was surprising" when hearing about Union’s experience as a judge on the show.
In his address to the media, Telegdy didn’t say hardly anything about the ongoing legal process. It would have been nice if he had been more clear in denouncing the type of behavior that Union had alleged, regardless of whether or not he believed it took place on America’s Got Talent. This is a tactic that men in power use all the time, speaking in vague statements about behavior that degrades and dehumanizes women, so that they can protect themselves should proof be revealed of any instance of wrongdoing. No matter the outcome of this investigation, the outcome cannot be a good one. Either it is found that what Union alleged was true and major changes are necessary, or it is discovered that Union wasn’t being truthful, which of course would reflect more poorly on the nature of the investigation itself. Union would have no reason to lie about any of this.
Next: Heidi Klum Joins America’s Got Talent Spinoff After Gabrielle Union Replaced Her
Source: People
