Heidi Klum says she was slammed as a ‘white woman’ for defending America’s Got Talent amid Gabrielle Union racism storm – The Sun

SUPERMODEL Heidi Klum claims she received public backlash about her race after her comments about Gabrielle Union’s America’s Got Talent exit were taken as dismissive.

The former AGT personality, 46, previously defended the show she called home for six seasons amid racial and gender discrimination accusations from last season’s judge Gabrielle, 47.

The German model was perceived as “defending” the show when she spoke at a Television Critics Association event back in January.

“I’ve only had an amazing experience [on the show]. I can’t speak for Gabrielle.

“I didn’t experience the same thing. To me, everyone treats you with the utmost respect,” she said at the time.

However, the Project Runway host revealed those comments got her into trouble and continued to defend herself when her race was brought into the heated conversation.

“A lot of people got mad at me. I was called, for example, ‘a white woman,” she told Page Six at the amfAR gala in New York City.

“I think it is important for everyone to speak their truth. I think that when there is a story, it should be told. I had a different story.

“I can only speak to what I saw – it has nothing to do with what color I am. I am a human so I just looked at what I saw,” she concluded to the outlet.

Heidi was a judge on the show alongside Simon Cowell, 60, from seasons eight to 13 and the first season of America's Got Talent: The Champions until her departure in February 2019.

Both Gabrielle and fellow former judge Julianne Hough, 31, were hired as replacements but left the talent competition show after only one season.

Reports began to emerge soon after their sudden exit – which NBC offered little explanation for – that the women were subjected to a “toxic” work culture that included “racist jokes” backstage.

According to show insiders, Gabrielle was accused of having hairstyles that were "too black" for the AGT audience while Julianne suffered "consistent criticism" about her appearance which impacted morale.

When the details around the situation were brought to light, fellow celebrities and fans worldwide began to show support for the Bring it On actress.

While she never shared an official statement after her controversial departure was announced, the mother-of-one did take to Twitter to share her gratitude with her supportive fans.

"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,” she tweeted.

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