Julianne Hough has commented on Gabrielle Union’s claim that she was not treated fairly before being fired from America’s Got Talent.
The blonde beauty was sitting next to her brother Derek – whom she became famous alongside on Dancing With The Stars – on the Today show as she chose her words carefully about that scandal that has forced NBC executives to investigate the alleged racial bias, discrimination, and ‘toxicity that has become normalized’ in the work place at AGT.
‘We need to start conversations and I just commend Gabrielle for speaking her truth and starting a conversation,’ began the star.
Her side: Julianne Hough has commented on Gabrielle Union’s claim that she was not treated fairly before being fired from America’s Got Talent
Being careful with a tough situation: The blonde beauty was sitting next to her brother Derek – whom she became famous alongside on Dancing With The Stars – on the Today show as she chose her words carefully about that scandal
‘I’m really proud of NBC as well for also showing up and starting a narrative and that’s what’s going to change the work place and the paradigm that we’ve been working in for many many years and is shifting and I think that’s really exciting.’
Hough added, ‘Life is crazy and sometimes you can’t control things and when obstacles come your way you have to be graceful about it and have integrity and I think that people with authenticity and integrity will create change.’
When asked if she’s spoken to Union, Hough said: ‘I have reached out. I think we both have been very busy…hopefully when I get back to LA later this afternoon we can have a conversation.’
Time to improve the work place: ‘We need to start conversations and I just commend Gabrielle for speaking her truth and starting a conversation,’ began the star
More: She added, ‘I’m really proud of NBC as well for also showing up and starting a narrative and that’s what’s going to change the work place and the paradigm that we’ve been working in for many many years and is shifting and I think that’s really exciting’
She also said she is not surprised about how much attention this is getting Hough.
‘I think that this is a big conversation and I think people really want to be a leader of change and I think that people are supporting it.’
Julianne also told People Now on Wednesday: ‘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.
‘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.’
The day before Union tweeted that she is already talking to NBC. ‘We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday,’ 47-year-old Union said.
‘I was able to, again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.’
She tried: When asked if she’s spoken to Union, Hough said: ‘I have reached out. I think we both have been very busy…hopefully when I get back to LA later this afternoon we can have a conversation
A bombshell Variety report first made the claims that judges Union’s and Hough’s contracts were not renewed after they had complained about alleged racist jokes and a toxic environment behind the scenes of the show.
The conflict was reportedly sparked when Jay Leno made an anti-Korean slur during his guest appearance on the show back in April.
On Sunday night, Leno made his first comments since the firing of Union from the reality series after complaining about his racist anti-Korean joke.
The men stay: All three men on the NBC competition – judges Simon Cowell (L) and Howie Mandel (2-R) as well as host Terry Crews (R) – are all expected to come back next year (pictured with winner Kodi Lee on September 18)
Jay – who guest starred in an episode which aired in April – said: ‘I love Gabrielle Union, she’s a great girl. I really enjoyed working with her, she’s really good.’
In the spotlight: The conflict was reportedly sparked when Jay Leno made an anti-Korean slur during his guest appearance on the show back in April
He was then asked if she was treated fairly but the former host of the Tonight Show remained mum when queried if she was treated fairly.
Leno said: ‘I don’t know but I think she’s a great girl.’
Since the initial reports Dwyane Wade confirmed his wife Union was fired from the reality show last week, as several NBC sources now say they’re baffled by her booting from the show.
Taking to Twitter late Wednesday, Wade inferred that Variety ‘s report was accurate, stating that his wife is ‘an advocate for our community and culture.’
‘As proud as I was 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,’ the Miami Heat shooting guard wrote.
She also received more than half a dozen notes criticizing hairstyles as ‘too black’ for the show’s core audience, according to four sources with direct knowledge.
On her way in: Hough waved as she walked into the Today show while in all black
On trend: The star had on a cute bra top under a fake fur coat with black slacks and black pointy pumps. Her hair was worn down and styled to perfection