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Gabrielle Union files discrimination complaint against 'America's Got Talent' producers

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Gabrielle Union. (Getty Images)
Gabrielle Union. (Getty Images)
Rachel Luna/Getty Images
  • In November Gabrielle Union was dropped as a judge on America's Got Talent after one season.
  • A report later claimed that the 47-year-old expressed concerns over offensive incidents that took place on set.
  • NBC launched an investigation into what went down behind the scenes at the reality series and found that "no one associated with the show made insensitive or derogatory remarks".


Gabrielle Union has filed a harassment complaint against the producers and network behind America's Got Talent.

This comes after NBC and the producers revealed the results of an investigation process following Gabrielle's allegations of offensive incidents that took place on the set during her time as a judge on the show.

READ MORE| Alleged racism, misgendering and more: New reports reveal Gabrielle Union's exit from 'America's Got Talent' was more serious

In a statement last week they said: "Through the investigation process, it has been revealed that no one associated with the show made any insensitive or derogatory remarks about Ms. Union's appearance, and that neither race nor gender was a contributing factor in the advancement or elimination of contestants at any time.

"The investigation has shown that the concerns raised by Ms. Union had no bearing on the decision not to exercise the option on her contract," reports E! News.

The Being Mary Jane star spoke about the alleged on-set racism for the first in a cover story with Variety last week.

One of the things she addressed was reporting Simon Cowell's indoor smoking: "Coming onto a set and you are literally met with the very definition of a toxic work environment, and it's being carried out by the most powerful person on the production."

On Thursday, the 47-year-old filed a complaint with California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

According to Deadline, the 38-page complaint involves previous reports of 'racist and misogynistic conduct'.

Variety reports that in addition to the complaint she also raised a new accusation that Paul Telegdy, NBC Entertainment Chairman, threatened her for speaking out against racism on set.

NBC issued a statement and said that the allegation that Gabrielle was threatened 'is categorically untrue'.

"We took Ms. Union's concerns seriously, and engaged an outside investigator who found an overarching culture of diversity on the show. NBC Universal remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds are treated with respect."

Bryan Freedman, Gabrielle's lawyer said that the company did not 'investigate her complaints promptly' and 'did not stand with her', after the company tweeted support for the Black Lives Matter Movement. 

"Instead, NBC did not care enough to either promptly investigate Ms. Union's complaints or even ask HR to get involved. Rather, NBC stood against her and directed its 'outrage' at Ms. Union for whistleblowing about the racially offensive conduct she experienced while working for NBC on America's Got Talent."

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