Ellen Pompeois publicly supportingGabrielle Unionin the wake of herAmerica’s Got Talentfiring.
A day after Union, 47, spoke out about herrecent and controversial departurefrom the NBC reality competition series after only one season,Grey’s Anatomystar Pompeo came to her fellow actress’s defense in a series of tweets.
“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” Pompeo began, noting formerTodayshow anchorMatt Lauer‘sfiring for allegations of sexual misconduct.
In a second tweet, Pompeo, 50, said that she was specifically talking to “white girls” — asking them to “stand with your sisters on the front lines.”
“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,” she wrote.
“Workplace cultures will continue to be toxic until there is unity and solidarity among all women. If you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do. Obviously this network feels like they can operate like this and it’s okay,” she continued.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty; Frazer Harrison/Getty
Pompeo acknowledged that there have been issues on her own show at rival network ABC.
“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,” she tweeted.
On Monday, blogLove B Scottreported Union had allegedly spoken out about “problematic” situations on set before her departure.
Trae Patton/NBC
She and Hough, 31, were also both subject to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance, sources alleged inVariety‘s report.
In a statement toVariety, dancer/actress Hough denied that she had a negative experience working on the show.
“I had a wonderful time onAmerica’s Got Talent, I loved working with the cast, crew, and producers. I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC,” said Hough, who is set to star in two upcoming NBC Christmas specials. “I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”
Representatives for Hough, Union, Leno, andSimon Cowell‘s Syco Entertainment, which producesAGT,did not respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
Pompeoconcluded,“Oh and Happy Thanksgiving Thankful for all the women out there who refuse to put up with bulls—. ? ? ? ❤️?.”
Sources on the series told the outlet that Leno allegedly joked the dogs looked like something one would find “on the menu at a Korean restaurant,” alluding to the stereotype that all Asian people eat dog meat.
Jay Leno.Courtesy Jay Leno
In another instance, sources toldVarietythat Union found herself again speaking up against racial insensitivity when a white male contestant auditioned with an act where he portrayed people of color and impersonated singers through multiple quick costume changes.
During his performance, the man impersonatedBeyoncéand, according toVariety‘s sources, emerged with black hands. The audition didn’t sit well with Union, and she allegedly addressed the matter with a segment producer and an executive producer, explaining that the audience should not have to watch something so “racially insensitive.”
After the actress requested that they remove the audition from the show, the producers allegedly told her, “We’ll take it out later.” Like Leno’s dog joke, the contestant’s audition was also reportedly cut from the show.
Variety‘s report went on to describe claims that Union was allegedly told that her ever-changing hairstyles were “too black” forAGT‘s audience, while Hough reportedly received constant criticism on her hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
On Wednesday,Union broke her silence, sending a message to her Twitter followers and thanking them for their support during this difficult time.
“So many tears, so much gratitude,”she tweeted. “THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone… you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever.”
Union also seemingly referenced the ordeal on her Instagram Stories earlier in the day with a video of herself working out alongside husbandDwyane Wade,whopublicly supported her in a series of tweetsearlier in the day.
“When the world feels like it’s falling apart. Try to find your peace,” she captioned the clip.
source: people.com
