Will Smithis joining the growing list of celebrities who are supportingGabrielle Unionfollowing her controversial firing fromAmerica’s Got Talent.
After Union, 47, announced that she had a “lengthy 5-hour” meeting with NBC on Tuesday about her experience as a judge on the reality talent competition series, Smith vocalized his support for hisBad Boys IIcostar’s decision to speak out.
“Well, I mean, we have to speak out. When people have issues, you have to, you know, let it be known, you have to bring it to the light,” Smith, 51,toldExtra during the Wednesday night premiere of his new animated film,Spies in Disguise.
“I haven’t spoken to Gabrielle, so I don’t know the specifics, but, you know, any time there’s an issue, it’s better out than in,” Smith said.
Will Smith and Gabrielle Union inBad Boys II.Robert Zuckerman/Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock
On Wednesday, Union, 47,revealed on Twitterthat she met with the television broadcasting company and expressed her “hope for real change.”
“We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday. I was able to again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change,” Union tweeted.
“The initial conversation was candid and productive,” an NBC spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday about their meeting with Union.
“While there will be a further investigation to get a deeper understanding of the facts, we are working with Gabrielle to come to a positive resolution,” said the spokesperson.
Trae Patton/NBC
Hough, 31, and Union were also both subject to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance, sources alleged inVariety‘s report, noting that Union was allegedly told that her ever-changing hairstyles were “too black” for the show’s audience, while Hough reportedly received constant criticism on her hair, makeup and wardrobe.
In a statement to the publication at the time, Hough — who is set to star in two upcoming NBC Christmas specials — denied that she had a negative experience on the show and said she was “happy to continue my working relationship with NBC.”
Hough toldPeople Nowthis week that she believes“everybody has a voice and should be heard,”adding, “I believe that the paradigm of the workplace and how you do business and work with people now, it’s shifting, and I think that the people that really want to see change happen are going to authentically and positively do that.”
Also, according to multiple reports, Union allegedly complained that Cowell was smoking indoors, which is illegal in California whereAGTfilms. She is allergic to cigarette smoke.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Tibrina Hobson/WireImage
On Dec. 1, NBC, Fremantle and Syco Entertainmentreleased thefollowing joint statement: “We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture. We are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate.”
Union has not yet issued an official statement directly addressing the allegations, but has received an outpouring of support.
Since the news broke, numerous celebrities have come to Union’s defense, including her husbandDwyane Wade,Hough,Eva Longoria,Ellen Pompeo,Elizabeth Banks,Viola Davis,Tamron HallandDebra Messing.
source: people.com
