Gabrielle Union may no longer be able to judge who in America has got talent.
But perhaps she can take solace in the fact that Ellen Pompeo has totally got her back.
As detailed just a few days ago, Union will not return in 2020 as a panelist on America's Got Talent.
Producers reportedly decided not to sign the actress to a new contract, despite her alleged desire to return and her popularity across the Internet and social media.
According to various outlets and insiders, Union was shown the door because she objected to a number of racist jokes on set, along with the general sexist attitude of co-star Simon Cowell.
In response to her complaints, NBC let Union go.
Now, in reply to these reports and the rumors surrounding why Union was basically fired, Grey's Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo has spoken oit.
Harshly.
Against NBC and all its higher-ups.
“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," the veteran actress Tweeted, adding:
"I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage."
Pompeo, of course, is referring here to NBC reportedly covering up Lauer's sexual misconduct allegations for years prior to finally having no choice but to fire the journalist in 2017.
In this latest awful case, Variety writes that Union expressed concern over an "offensive" incident that occurred -- and which involved Jay Leno.
The comedian supposedly made a joke backstage earlier this year that Union believed to be racist.
The publication went on to explain that the 47-year-old star also experienced strong criticism over her fashion and beauty looks, and was also told her hairstyles were "too black" for viewers.
In a second tweet, Pompeo said that she was specifically talking to “white girls," asking them to “stand with your sisters on the front lines.”
She continued:
This is a teaching moment..It’s important..white girls I’m talking to you..whether you truly understand what racial injustice is or not..that you stand with your sisters on the front lines.
Don’t cut side deals & don’t not get involved because it isn’t your issue..because it is.
Pompeo, who has admirable stood up for diversity on television (both in front of the camera and also behind It), added:
Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women. If you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do.
Obviously this network feels like they can operate like this and it’s okay.
Pompeo concluded with an acknowledgement that there have been issues on her own show at rival network ABC.
But she spun this in her network's favor by contrasting it with NBC.
Also I feel important to mention our problems on the Greys set and every set has them…some kind of issue …there’s lots of people in a workplace..
point is… exec producers and the NETWORK @abc cared enough to help us make change support is crucial.
For her part, Union did not address the America's Got Talent directly on Twitter this week, but did clearly allude to it when she Tweeted:
"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."
A spokesperson for NBC and production company Fremantle responded to claims such as the ones above with a statement on Tuesday that read as follows:
“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."