Julianne Hough supports Gabrielle Union’s meeting with America’s Got Talent and NBC executives. Hough broke her silence about their controversial firing in series of interviews this week.
After being let go during their inaugural season as judges on the hit show, Hough and Union went their separate ways. Word soon got out that Union had spent her tenure on the show allegedly championing a series of misdeeds and workplace violations. However, Hough was noticeably absent from the conversation. Her only response to being terminated was in a released statement that she enjoyed her time on the show and had a great relationship with NBC.
Reports surfaced this week via People, that Union would be meeting with executives to discuss some of her workplace grievances. Hough was enthusiastic about the news, saying, "That’s really exciting." She continued, "I think that’s such an important step that two people - or multiple people - can come together and create change or whatever it may be." She continued to talk about the meeting, saying, "And that there is a dialogue and a narrative that is respectful and integral. That’s amazing and I hope that we can see that that is a great step." Regardless of the fact that both she and Union were fired from the same show at the same time, she confirmed that she hasn't had a chance to speak to her yet.
Hough did reveal that she tried to get in touch with her former co-star, saying, "I have reached out. I think we both have been very busy … hopefully, when I get back to L.A. later this afternoon, we can have a conversation." Though the Footloose star has been pretty quiet regarding her and Union's departure, she opened up about how proud she is of both Union and NBC for having a meeting. She said, "We need to start conversations, and I just commend Gabrielle for speaking her truth and starting a conversation. I’m really proud of NBC as well for also showing up and starting a narrative, and that’s what’s going to change the workplace, and the paradigm that we’ve been working in for many many years and is shifting, and I think that’s really exciting." The former NBC employee said, "Life is crazy, and sometimes you can’t control things, and when obstacles come your way, you have to be graceful about it and have integrity, and I think that people with authenticity and integrity will create change."
Audiences feel like it is about time Hough said something in response to the controversy. It does appear that she's been trying to distance herself from Union and a lot of the public outcry and conjecture that has arisen from season 14 of America's Got Talent. It's understandable that with two pending projects at the network she'd want to keep a low profile and not jeopardize her relationship with NBC. However, that's a luxury that not everyone has. Gender bias and racism are alive and well in 2019 and toxic work environments are also very real. In the future, fans can hope that Hough will be more willing to take a tough stance, even if it's uncomfortable for her. After all, one day, it might be her who needs an advocate.
America's Got Talent premieres Monday, January 6th at 8pm EST on NBC.
Source: People