'AGT' Producers, NBC Say They're 'Working' With Gabrielle Union 'to Hear More About Her Concerns'

“Following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate,” network, Fremantle and Syco say in new statement

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NBC, Fremantle and Syco have released a new statement regarding Gabrielle Union’s exit from “America’s Got Talent.”

“We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture,” the trio said Sunday in a joint statement. “We are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate.”

It was announced on Nov. 22 that Union, along with fellow “AGT” judge Julianne Hough, would not be returning for Season 15 . Union’s contract was not renewed following several behind-the-scenes incidents and what showrunners described as “difficult” behavior, Vulture reported.

According to Vulture, she complained about judge Simon Cowell smoking indoors, a remark during taping by guest judge Jay Leno she deemed to be a racist that did not make it to air and misgendering of contestants. In addition, Vulture reported that Union had supported a 10-year-old African American rapper before being told that the show needed “an act America can get behind.”

On Nov. 28, an NBC spokesperson told TheWrap: “‘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.”

Support for Union’s abrupt ouster from the competition show sparked an avalanche of social media support, including from Patricia Arquette, who called on SAG-AFTRA to get involved in the situation.

Additionally, Time’s Up, a women’s advocacy group, voiced its support for Union in a tweet saying, “Thank you @itsgabrielleufor speaking up for what’s right.”

Union’s reps did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.

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