Gabrielle Union was recently axed from her role as a judge on America’s Got Talent after reporting a racist comment made by guest judge Jay Leno.
The actress has since received an outpouring of support from fans and other women in the industry.
Most recently, Debra Messing called out the show’s network NBC, which is also home to her own show Will & Grace.
Racist scandal: Gabrielle Union was recently axed from her role as a judge on America’s Got Talent after reporting a racist comment made by guest judge Jay Leno
She wrote in response to a tweet from Ellen Pompeo: ‘Thank you for this @EllenPompeo. This is disgusting behavior from a network that has been my professional home for decades.
‘Yes, women become “difficult,” when their insistence on a respectful and professional working environment, is ignored. ‘Addressing a hostile work environment is inconvenient when there is a huge money making machine that is involved.’
She added: ‘It is cowardice, greed, and protection of the status quo revealed. Being “hands off,” is inexcusable and reflects a laissez faire attitude toward systemic racism and sexism.’
Messing’s comments come after Pompeo posted a series of tweets about the toxic work environment of show business.
In support: Joining many fans and women in the industry, Debra Messing recently called out the show’s network NBC, which is also home to her own show Will & Grace
Disgusting behavior: She wrote in response to a tweet from Ellen Pompeo: ‘Thank you for this @EllenPompeo. This is disgusting behavior from a network that has been my professional home for decades’
Inexcuable: She added: ‘It is cowardice, greed, and protection of the status quo revealed. Being “hands off,” is inexcusable and reflects a laissez faire attitude toward systemic racism and sexism’
The Grey’s Anatomy star wrote: ‘It’s unfortunate that @nbc the same network that protected disgusting men like Matt Lauer and punished women for speaking out or not putting up with it…has not changed their practices or culture.
‘I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage.’
She added: ‘This is a teaching moment..It’s important..white girls I’m talking to you..whether you truly understand what racial injustice is or not..that you stand with your sisters on the front lines.
‘Don’t cut side deals & don’t not get involved because it isn’t your issue..because it is.’
Pompeo also cited her own experience dealing with a toxic work environment on Grey’s Anatomy.
Women supporting women: Messing’s comments come after Pompeo posted a series of tweets about the toxic work environment of show business
Speaking out: The Grey’s Anatomy star wrote: ‘It’s unfortunate that @nbc the same network that protected disgusting men like Matt Lauer and punished women for speaking out or not putting up with it…has not changed their practices or culture’
Teaching moment: She added: ‘This is a teaching moment..It’s important..white girls I’m talking to you..whether you truly understand what racial injustice is or not..that you stand with your sisters on the front lines’
Accountability: Pompeo also cited her own experience dealing with a toxic work environment on Grey’s Anatomy
She wrote: ‘Also I feel important to mention our problems on the Greys set and every set has them…some kind of issue …there’s lots of people in a workplace.. point is… exec producers and the NETWORK @abc cared enough to help us make change support is crucial.’
It was reported last month that Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough would not be returning to the show, amid rumors that there was a ‘toxic’ atmosphere on set.
Union apparently raised issues about racist jokes and comments about her physical appearance.
Meanwhile, her husband Dwayne Wade recently came to her defense in a passionate tweet.
He wrote: ‘Men lie, Women lie, numbers don’t. Over this past year I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife @itsgabrielleu is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show.’
Wade added: ‘So when i got the news that my wife was being fired my first question was obviously why!? I am still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.’
Supportive husband: Meanwhile, Union’s husband Dwayne Wade recently came to her defense in a passionate tweet
Heartfelt thanks: Union reached out to her followers to thank them for their love and support during her difficult time
Union also tweeted: ‘So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone … you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever.’
On Tuesday, Variety reported that Union expressed concerns over racially insensitive situations, including a joke Leno allegedly made that was later edited out of the episode.
She and Hough had also received ‘excessive notes’ on their physical appearance, according to the report.
A spokesperson for NBC and production company Fremantle responded to the claims with a statement on Tuesday to People, saying: ‘America’s Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show.
‘The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for AGT’s enduring popularity. NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously.’
Retaliation: On Tuesday, Variety reported that Union expressed concerns over racially insensitive situations, including a joke guest judge Jay Leno allegedly made that was later edited out of the episode
