After reportedly being told some of her changing hairstyles were “too black” for America’s Got Talent, former judge Gabrielle Union is firing back with a collection of some of her favorite looks from the show, as well as a message for her critics.
On Friday, Gabrielle shared an Instagram video originally posted by her hairstylist Larry Sims, in which a variety of her different hairstyles are featured, according to the Independent. Larry first posted the video after the news broke that Gabrielle and fellow first-year judge Julianne Hough were not asked to return to the NBC show. Larry’s caption for the video, “Too Black? Nah… She’s FLAWLESS!!!” was in response to reports that both women had received criticism for their appearances on the show, with Gabrielle in particular allegedly being told that her changing hairstyles were “too black.”
When Gabrielle shared Larry’s video on Friday, she added her own message to the post, noting that she doesn’t “take notes rooted in anti-blackness.”
“Unapologetically me,” she captioned the video. “Be comfortable and confident with your whole ass self. It might give others the fluuuxxx but never stop being you. You can shine on your own terms. And if you got something to say I don’t take notes rooted in anti-blackness. I love me as I am.”
As The Ashley previously told you, Gabrielle’s reported complaints of “toxic culture” on the ‘AGT’ set have prompted NBC to open a further investigation to “get a deeper understanding of the facts.” The network also said it will be working with Gabrielle to “come to a positive resolution.” Though Gabrielle said herself that the five-hour meeting she attended with NBC executives recently was a positive one, this week she let executives know she doesn’t plan on backing down, according to MTO News.
“Don’t be the happy Negro that does the bidding of the status quo because you’re afraid,” she said during a panel for the launch of her holiday collection with New York & Company. “Don’t allow them to call you angry when someone else is called passionate. It’s terrifying. There’s a solid chance you’ll lose your job … I speak from experience.”
Gabrielle said despite that risk, it’s important to “do your best to try to hold the door open and hold people responsible.”
” … Yeah, I’m asking you to do the impossible,” she continued. ” … I’m fully aware that job loss in on the table … but if you’re not doing it, nobody is.”
Aside from the rumored appearance-based criticism (which Julianne has denied), the complaints of toxic culture on set also referenced a racially insensitive joke made by guest judge Jay Leno and excessive smoking by judge and executive producer Simon Cowell.
(Photos: Instagram)
13 Responses
Now more is being revealed about this firing. Honestly AGT is like the old “Gong Show.” Not much to really “judge” as far as “talent” until the last 3 shows of the season.
I’m tired of black people blaming every f-ing thing on racism, while constantly acting like damn fools. She, along with the white chick, where obviously not popular enough to raise viewership, the only thing that matters. For all of you naive people who claim “rAcIsM iS sTill AliVe”, come to Chicago and see who the racists really are. Take a look at our local crime blog, CWBChicago, and keep living in denial. It’s gotten old.
“Unapologetically me”….meanwhile wears fake hair. ? So, she was fired b/c AGT is racist? Why was JH fired? I dont hear her bitchin & moanin. GU is the reason some black women are hated and/or called “mad”. There are ways to express your feelings & disappointment. Theres also accepting the fact that maybe you just werent good enough. Has nothing to do with your color!
What does to black mean,that is not right to say. That is very offensive to say. I am a white person and I don’t like what was said. You are a very strong woman and I am very proud to see that,you wear your hair the way you want.?
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What does to black mean,that is not right to say. That is very offensive to say. I am a white person and I don’t like what was said. You are a very strong woman and I am very proud to see that,you wear your hair the way you want.?
People refusing to believe that there is still racism in 2019 are some sad, sad fools.
Yup, there is still racism in 2019. I bet you’re one of the people refusing to believe that racism goes BOTH ways though.
” … Yeah, I’m asking you to do the impossible,” she continued. ” … I’m fully aware that job loss in on the table … but if you’re not doing it, nobody is.”
Easy to do/say when your husband makes millions!
Yeah…. I don’t buy it. Her hair is beautiful and so is she….. Mel B had thousands of hair switches throughout her time on AGT. I seriously doubt in today’s society especially, that she was told her hair was “too black”…. something else happened. Bet.
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I cannot discern whether she’s slighted having been fired from the show, or if there is merit to these claims. Having said that, Mel B wore many different hairstyles while she was a judge on the show, presumably without issue.
Furthermore, her claims of racism were only addressed post-firing. I have a hard time believing if that she wasn’t fired she wouldn’t have returned as a judge for the next season. the contract she had was obviously on a season-to-season basis and she certainly didn’t resign. This makes me believe she is a disgruntled ex-employee.
What the fuck does “too black” mean? She’s black. She has black hair. What do they want her to do? Wear a blonde wig? She for the most part looked great, it’s Julienne that looked like a mental patient with some of her style choices.
Mel B had every hairstyle under the sun and she was on the show for many seasons. Also, if the AGT folks were so horrible and racist then one would never want to go back for another season anyway right? Just saying.