Ellen Pompeo praises Gabrielle Union and takes aim at NBC

Gabrielle Union is continuing to receive support for doing her part to improve the conditions in the ‘toxic workplace environment’ that reportedly existed behind the scenes at America’s Got Talent. Union’s contract with AGT was not renewed this month, with reports revealing the decision was based on Union reporting racist behaviour on set. Now Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo is publicly praising Union for her actions and calling on other women for their support.On Friday, it was announced that Union and her co-star Julianne Hough would not have their contracts at AGT renewed. This came as a surprise to viewers, with the two women responsible for a huge increase in the show’s social media presence. Union alone was responsible for half of the 25 million social media impressions the show received last season, which doubled AGT’s social media footprint and made Union the most popular judge on the show.[video_embed id='1842007']Why was Gabrielle Union fired from 'AGT'?[/video_embed]Following the news of Union and Hough’s exit, Variety published an article that included insight from several members of the staff who confirmed that Union had spoken out on numerous occasions about inappropriate behaviour on set, including a racist joke made by guest judge Jay Leno and a white contestant portraying black celebrities with a character voice. Additionally, Union and Hough were both reportedly subjected to constant notes and critiques about their appearance, with Union often told that her hairstyles were ‘too black’ for the AGT audience.It appears Union’s efforts to make the AGT set a more inclusive and safe space to work resulted in her firing, a move that is unacceptable to many, including Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo. The actor took aim at NBC in a series of tweets on Thursday, pointing out that the same network that protected anchor Matt Lauer after he was accused of sexual assault also fired Union for speaking up.

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

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019

One of Pompeo’s followers noted that it was also NBC that tried to shut down Ronan Farrow’s story about Harvey Weinstein.

Jake for the win https://t.co/S5M4SUWfdL

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019

Pompeo called on other white women to use their voice to stand in solidarity with all women, not just when an event affects them directly.

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

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019

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.

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019

In her tweets, Pompeo referenced the issues that plagued the set of Grey’s Anatomy for years and noted that things finally changed when ABC began listening to the complaints of the staff.

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.

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019

Also, Pompeo really likes The Morning Show with Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston.

With that said GIRLS....instead of wack jugglers and messy Simon Cowell watch @ReeseW and Jennifer Anniston in The Morning Show!! Soooo much better. Hard to believe these networks are still getting away with this. Our work continues @itsgabrielleu

— Ellen Pompeo (@EllenPompeo) November 28, 2019

NBC has yet to respond to Pompeo, who is currently the highest paid female actor on TV, but she’s found a fan in Ariana Grande, the most followed woman on social media. With two powerhouses ensuring this issue doesn’t get swept under the rug, a response is likely coming soon.

thank you for this @EllenPompeo. be better @nbc. we’re with you @itsgabrielleu. https://t.co/UMfcqJZ46w

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 28, 2019

Gabrielle Union also found a big supporter in husband Dwyane Wade, with the NBA star praising his wife on social media after Variety’s report was released.

As proud as i were of her being selected as a judge on #AGT— Iam even more proud of her standing up for what she stands for and that’s US.

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019

So ? to you @itsgabrielleu on not losing sight of the lessons we’ve talked about teaching our daughter and for kicking ass while you were on that platform. Number 1 judge on one of the biggest shows in the world‼️

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019

Union has yet to release an official statement on the issue, but she did let fans know that she is seeing their support online and is being lifted by it.

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

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 28, 2019

[video_embed id='1842086']Gabrielle Union 'humbled and thankful' for fan support amid AGT controversy[/video_embed]