Hollywood Supports Gabrielle Union After Being Fired for Reporting Jay Leno’s Racist Joke
Last week, actress Gabrielle Union and dancer Julianne Hough came out and revealed that they were fired from the show America’s Got Talent because they reported that they were uncomfortable with an allegedly racist joke made by comedian and former late-night TV host, Jay Leno. Variety reports that the complaint was made regarding an allegedly anti-Korean joke on the show when he was a guest. Other outlets are saying Union has multiple complaints about the show.
1. Just Posted: New info on @itsgabrielleu's ouster at America's Got Talent
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) November 27, 2019
- Union was allegedly told a 10-year-old black rapper couldn't be picked because they needed a contestant "America could get behind"
- Simon Cowell's indoor smoking (against law)https://t.co/nkxdgNJRMw
After taking the whole situation to social media, Union has garnered a wave of support from all corners of Hollywood. Actresses, singers, and even the “Time’s Up” movement have tweeted their support for the actress. Union responded with a grateful tweet about all the love she has been getting.
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 ❤
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 28, 2019
Here is a sampling of the well-known accounts and celebs that expressed solidarity with the fired actress.
Thank you @itsgabrielleu for speaking up for what's right. https://t.co/g3LYIvXd5H
— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) November 28, 2019
It’s unfortunate that @nbc the same network that protected disgusting men like Matt Lauer and punished women for speaking out or not putting up with it...has not changed their practices or culture. I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage
— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019
thank you for this @EllenPompeo. be better @nbc. we’re with you @itsgabrielleu. 🖤 https://t.co/UMfcqJZ46w
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 28, 2019
I am lucky to work with really good people at @nbc and am sad and angry to know this has been going on in that same network. I stand with @itsgabrielleu all the way. They should bring her back, with a big raise, and remove @SimonCowell instead. 🤙 https://t.co/ZDsmurRUd4
— Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@jameelajamil) November 28, 2019