Heidi Klum has clarified her Gabrielle Union comments regarding the America's Got Talent controversy. The model found herself in a bit of hot water when her words were misinterpreted.
The ongoing incident regarding America’s Got Talent started on November 22, when the NBC network announced that both judges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough would not be returning to the show for season 15. According to multiple reports, Union's contract was not renewed due to rumors of clashes that occurred behind the scenes and with network executives. It was also reported that Union spoke to the show’s producers, telling them she felt there were racial and gender concerns that made their workplace a toxic environment for women and people of different backgrounds. Recently, many former NBC employees, such as Howard Stern and Sharon Osbourne, have commented on how it is the "ultimate boys club."
Last week, the model thrust herself into the news headlines after she said that she had an "amazing experience" when she worked on America’s Got Talent. The TV host went on to explain to People that her personal experiences within the show were only positive. During an event with the Television Critics Association, she told the press that she could not speak on behalf of Union as the two women did not experience the same issues. According to Klum, everyone treated her with "the utmost respect" and she had never witnessed any bad behavior. Due to the lackadaisical comments by the supermodel, many cried out saying that Klum had totally disregarded the entire situation with Union.
On January 17th, Klum clarified that her opinion was never meant to be hurtful. The TV personality reiterated that she was only sharing what she had experienced and never intended to call Union’s fight into question. She defended herself saying that the entertainment outlet had asked her to share her thoughts about Union’s experiences as she had worked in the same role. Klum continued to say that she could only speak of her own truth and her comments were in no way "meant to negate or question Gabrielle’s truth." The German native went on to say that she was a passionate advocate for all people no matter their race, gender, religion, or sexuality; ending her apology by saying that everyone should be treated equally.
While Klum apologized and called on the people of the world to be kinder to one another, fans will recall that she left America’s Got Talent in May of 2019 but was asked back recently to host the spin-off, America’s Got Talent: The Champions. Union also has had some success after her meeting with NBC executives as she relayed to fans that all parties were moving in the right direction.
America's Got Talent: The Champions airs Mondays at 8pm EST on NBC.
Source: People