The investigation into Gabrielle Union’s AGT exit did not find 'racial bias'

The results from an investigation looking into the dismissal of Gabrielle Union from America’s Got Talent has finally been revealed.

Syco, Fremantle and NBC released a statement today (May 27) revealing the results, which had been expected back in January.

The results come just as the actress broke her silence and shared clear details about the treatment she received on set.

The statement from show bosses read: ‘We have a shared passion to make ‘America’s Got Talent’ a positive, inclusive and diverse show that is open to all individuals from any country or background.

‘When we heard Ms. Union had concerns about her time on the show, we took them extremely seriously. NBC, Fremantle and Syco immediately engaged an outside investigator who conducted more than 30 interviews to review the issues raised by Ms. Union.’

It continued: ‘While the investigation has demonstrated an overall culture of diversity, it has also highlighted some areas in which reporting processes could be improved.

‘Through the investigation process, it has been revealed that no one associated with the show made any insensitive or derogatory remarks about Ms. Union’s appearance, and that neither race nor gender was a contributing factor in the advancement or elimination of contestants at any time.’

The statement added: ‘The investigation has shown that the concerns raised by Ms. Union had no bearing on the decision not to exercise the option on her contract.

‘NBC, Fremantle and Syco share Ms. Union’s dedication to diversity and inclusion in the industry. We continue to remain committed to having an inclusive environment for everyone associated with the show, and to upholding AGT as one of the most diverse programs on television.’

The Bring It On star spent one season working on the show before she spoke out about situations that left her feeling uncomfortable with the work environment.

Speaking at length about the issues in a new interview with Variety, the 10 Things I Hate About You star explained: ‘At the end of all this, my goal is real change — and not just on this show but for the larger parent company. It starts from the top down.

‘My goal is to create the happiest, most high-functioning, inclusive, protected and healthy example of a workplace.’

She spoke about a series of incidents, including her complaint about the fact Simon Cowell was allegedly smoking on set despite laws against the matter.

Gabrielle stated that it meant her first day was met with the ‘very definition of a toxic work environment, and it’s being carried out by the most powerful person on the production.’

The Being Mary Jane star also spoke about the incident involving Jay Leno in which she says he made a racially insensitive comment.

He allegedly made a joke about ‘a painting of Cowell and his dogs, saying the animals looked like food items at a Korean restaurant.’

Gabrielle stressed that she had always respected Jay Leno but ‘I was not prepared for his joke. I gasped. I froze. Other things had already happened, but at this point, it was so wildly racist.’

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