Julianne Hough addresses controversial AGT exit as Gabrielle Union has ‘productive’ meeting with NBC

Julianne Hough addresses controversial AGT dismissal… as Gabrielle Union has ‘productive’ five-hour meeting with NBC executives

  • Julianne was measured as she spoke to People Now about the situation
  • The star said she believes the industry is ‘shifting’ while also saying she supports people’s right to use their ‘voice’
  • She refrained from talking specifics about her time on Amerca’s Got Talent
  • Previously Julianne seemed to support NBC, saying she’s ‘happy’ to continue working with the company
  • Julianne’s comments emerged around the same time Union tweeted about a ‘productive five hour’ meeting with NBC 

Julianne Hough chose her words carefully while addressing her and Gabrielle Union’s controversial exits from America’s Got Talent.

The dancer/TV personality, 31, offered some of her perspective during an interview with People Now published Wednesday, telling the outlet she believes the entertainment industry is ‘shifting’ but avoiding any specific mention of the scandal.

This comes after Hough initially appeared to defend the show and NBC in a statement, contradicting media reports by saying she ‘had a wonderful time’ on the show and is happy to continue her relationship with the network.

Her perspective: Julianne Hough briefly addressed her controversial dismissal from America’s Got Talent during a chat with People Now that was published on Wednesday

Hough latest comments about the controversy came as she and brother Derek were out to promote their upcoming NBC special, Holidays With The Houghs. The starlet is also set to appear at the annual Christmas In Rockefeller Center program.

Talking to People, Julianne explained the industry’s evolving attitudes, but she stayed away from mentioning any specifics about her time on AGT or any allegations of the show’s ‘toxic environment.’

‘I would just say that…my goodness. I just believe and value, at the highest regard, that everybody has a voice and should be heard, first and foremost,’ Hough said.

‘And then I believe that the paradigm of the workplace and how you do business and work with people now, it’s shifting, and I think that the people that really want to see change happen are going to authentically and positively and integrally do that.’

Talking things through: Hough's comments come as Union had a 'five hour' sit down with NBC Universal over the situation. Above March 2019

Talking things through: Hough’s comments come as Union had a ‘five hour’ sit down with NBC Universal over the situation. Above March 2019 

Not severing ties: Hough latest comments about the controversy came as she and brother Derek were out promoting their upcoming NBC special, Holidays With The Houghs

Not severing ties: Hough latest comments about the controversy came as she and brother Derek were out promoting their upcoming NBC special, Holidays With The Houghs

Keeping her cards close to her chest, she concluded: ‘…So that’s all I really have to say about that.’

Julianne’s comments come after she and Union were unceremoniously dumped from AGT’s judging panel after only one year on the show.

Later reports emerged that Union was dismissed after being deemed ‘difficult’ for speaking up about the apparent ‘toxic culture’ on the set.

Quick exit: Julianne's comments come after she and Union were unceremoniously dumped from AGT's judging panel after only one year on the show. The duo are seen on the show's September finale above

Quick exit: Julianne’s comments come after she and Union were unceremoniously dumped from AGT’s judging panel after only one year on the show. The duo are seen on the show’s September finale above

According to Variety, Union and Hough were both give ‘excessive notes on their hair and physical appearance,’ with Union specifically chastised for changing hairstyles that were ‘too black’ for NBC audiences.

Union also reportedly spoke up about an incident where guest judge Jay Leno made a racially-charged joke about people of Korean descent during his April appearance on the show.

Gabrielle all but confirmed the reports in her public reactions to the scandal, earning widespread support from the show business community.

On Wednesday, Union tweeted about a sit-down with NBCUniversal.

Retaliation? Reports emerged that Union (above September) was dismissed after being deemed 'difficult' for speaking up about the apparent 'toxic culture' on the set

Retaliation? Reports emerged that Union (above September) was dismissed after being deemed ‘difficult’ for speaking up about the apparent ‘toxic culture’ on the set

‘We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday. I was able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. 

‘I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change,’ she went on. 

In their initial response to the allegations NBC and production company Fremantle said: ‘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.’

Hashing things out: Union tweeted about a sit-down with NBCUniversal on Wednesday

Hashing things out: Union tweeted about a sit-down with NBCUniversal on Wednesday

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