She felt ‘lost and alone’ after being axed from the America’s Got Talent judging panel.
And now Gabrielle Union has taken to social media to thank fans for their support through her difficult time.
The Bring It On star tweeted: ‘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.’
The way they were: Howie Mandell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell on the AGT panel. Gabrielle and Julianne have been axed amid rumors of a ‘toxic’ atmosphere on set
It was reported last month that Gabrielle, 47, and Julianne Hough would not be returning to the show, amid rumors that there was a ‘toxic’ atmosphere on set.
Gabrielle had apparently raised issues about racist jokes and comments about her physical appearance. It’s not yet known what is behind the exit of Julianne, 31.
However, Julianne denied the rumors, insisting that she had a ‘wonderful time’ on the show.
Glittering star: The 47-year-old has revealed she felt ‘lost and alone’ after being dropped from the judging panel.
Heartfelt thanks: Gabrielle reached out to her followers to thank them for their love and support during her difficult time
She said: ‘I had a wonderful time on America’s Got Talent, I loved working with the cast, crew and producers. I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC.’
Gabrielle reached out on Twitter after her husband of five years, NBA star Dwayne Wade, took to social media to defend her. The couple share one-year-old daughter Kaavia.
He said: ‘Men lie, Women lie, numbers don’t. Over this past year I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife @itsgabrielleu is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show.
Proud parents: Gabrielle and husband Dwaye Wade with their daughter Kaavia. He took to twitter to speak up for his beautiful wife
‘So when i got the news that my wife was being fired my first question was obviously why!? 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.’
And he also praised his wife for standing up for the values she teaches Kaavia.
Robust defense: The 37-year-old former pro basketball player took down the social media trolls
“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.
‘So to you @itsgabrielleu on not losing sight of the lessons we’ve talked about teaching our daughter and for kicking a** while you were on that platform. Number 1 judge on one of the biggest shows in the world.’
Actress Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy, took to Twitter to voice her support for Union.
The 50-year-old actress called out the network, NBC, for hiding Matt Lauer’s sexual misconduct allegations and keeping him employed and was firm saying ‘I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage.’
I’m with her: Actress Ellen Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy, took to Twitter to voice her support for Union, she also gave suggestions for white women to stand with women of color fighting racial injustice
What she said: In a series of tweets she also said ‘Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women,’ she continued. ‘Of you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do’
She called on white women to be allies to women of color who have to stand ‘on the front lines’ fighting racial injustice.
‘Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women,’ she continued. ‘Of you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do.’
Ending by saying: ‘Oh and Happy Thanksgiving Thankful for all the women out there who refuse to put up with bullshit.’
On Tuesday, Variety reported that sources had said that Gabrielle had expressed concerns over racially insensitive situations, including a joke guest judge Jay Leno allegedly made that was later edited out of the episode.
Speaking out: Dwayne, seen with Gabrielle at an event in LA in May, tweeted,’ 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’
She and Julianne were also received ‘excessive notes’ on their physical appearance, according to the report.
A spokesperson for NBC and production company Fremantle responded to the claims with a statement on Tuesday to People, saying: ‘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.’
It has not yet been revealed who will replaced the Gabrielle and Julianne