Gabrielle Union: I Got Fired From AGT Because Jay Leno’s a RACIST!

Just a little over a year after Gabrielle Union welcomed her miracle baby, she has parted ways with America's Got Talent.

Now, the world is learning that her departure came after a series of offensive and even racist incidents on the set. Wow.

Variety has come out with an explosive report about the harrowing behind-the-scenes reality of the talent competition.

These offensive incidents were what prompted Gabrielle to leave the show, and some of them had to do with her, directly.

Others had to do with the overall culture on the set.

In some cases, attempts to report wrongdoing were allegedly blocked by higher-ups and could never be addressed.

Gabrielle Union in Yellow

For one of these incidents, infamous chin-wielder Jay Leno visited the set of the NBC show.

Both Gabrielle and her co-host, Julianne Hough, were present and witnessed Leno make an outrageously racist joke.

"Leno made a crack about a painting on display in a hallway of Simon Cowell, the show's executive producer and judge, surrounded by his dogs," four witnesses say.

The witnesses accuse: "Leno joked that the pets looked like something one would find 'on the menu at a Korean restaurant.'"

Gabrielle Union Up Close

While that's obviously both offensive and racist, attempts to address it were allegedly met with stonewalling.

Apparently, Gabrielle tried to report it, hoping that it would be made clear that racist humor was not okay.

Instead, even when she brought it to the attention of an executive, it was never escalated to HR.

The effect? Silently signaling to the entire crew of the show that racism is part of the show's culture and will not be punished.

Gabrielle Union's Wedding Dress

Not all of the incidents were specifically racist. Misogyny also played a role on the show, the report reveals.

Both women were reportedly given "excessive notes on their physical experience," which "impacted her morale and led to tensions."

But it sounds like Julianne isn't willing to risk future paychecks, telling Variety "I had a wonderful time on America's Got Talent."

"I loved working with the cast, crew, and producers," she claimed. "I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC."

Gabrielle Union at the People's Choice Awards

In the mean time, Gabrielle was said to be singled out in particular, being told that her hairstyles were "too black" for viewers.

That is a descripion of race-based harassment that women and men of color receive on a regular basis all across America.

Recently, more states and municipalities are looking to outlaw racist hair-policing by employers for obvious reasons.

Demands that black hair be straightened or short stem from specific European beauty standards and are part of white supremacy.

Gabrielle Union and D. Wade

Upon hearing these allegations, NBC and Fremantle released a statement.

"America's Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show," the statement begins.

It continues: "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," the statement claimed.

Gabrielle and Julianne's departure has not been officially explained, but was announced on Saturday.