Workplace discrimination Gabrielle Union says ‘more changes are needed’ to end racial, gender discrimination at NBC

Gabrielle Union is weighing in on NBC’s steps to end discrimination in the workplace.

Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough exited NBC competition show “America’s Got Talent” after one season and, in November, Variety reported on a “toxic culture” at the show that included racist jokes and excessive focus on female judges’ appearances, including race-related comments. In May, NBC announced that an outside investigation decided Union’s claims of racism had “no bearing” on the show dropping her as a judge. 

Union took to Twitter Tuesday to share her thoughts on a new report from The Hollywood Reporter that NBCUniversal TV and Streaming chairman Mark Lazarus is expanding efforts to create a safe workplace environment.

“Great start by NBC to recognize the need to not turn away & ignore racial & gender discrimination on programs like #AGT,” she wrote. “More changes are needed however like stopping executives from intimidating talent from sharing their experience of racism in their own workplace investigations”

In June, the 47-year-old actress filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing against NBC Universal Television, Fremantle Productions North America, co-creator, executive producer and judge Simon Cowell and his company, Syco Entertainment. 

“Sadly, what led to Union’s termination was her refusal to remain silent in the face of a toxic culture at AGT that included racist jokes, racist performances, sexual orientation discrimination, and excessive focus on female judges’ appearances, including race-related comments,” says the complaint. USA TODAY obtained a copy from Union’s attorney, Bryan Freedman.

NBC denied the accusation in a statement at the time.

“The allegation that anyone involved in this process threatened Ms. Union is categorically untrue,” said spokeswoman Allison Ivers. “We took Ms. Union‘s concerns seriously, and engaged an outside investigator who found an overarching culture of diversity on the show. NBCUniversal remains committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where people of all backgrounds are treated with respect.”  

Earlier, in May, Union broke her silence on the drama surrounding her departure from “America’s Got Talent.”

In an interview with Variety, she discussed her experience working on the show.

“I signed up for the experience of being a part of a show that hails itself as the biggest stage in the world. Super diverse, and one about giving people an opportunity to shine where they otherwise probably wouldn’t,” said said. “What could go wrong?”

She continued, “There are so many people who are committed to making NBCUniversal and Comcast different, who truly want to be a part of the solution and on the right side of history… In the same breath, there are some people who want the wheels of change to come to a grinding halt because they feel that their privilege is being challenged.”

Contributing: Erin Jensen

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