Julianne Hough is breaking her silence on her controversial exit from “America’s Got Talent,” which came at the same time as fellow judge Gabrielle Union’s departure.
During an interview on People Now, Hough was asked regarding “America’s Got Talent”: “How are you handling that situation and is there anything you wanted to clear up?”
“I would just say that – my goodness. I just believe and value at the highest regard that everybody has a voice and should be heard, first and foremost,” she said. “And then 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. And so that’s all I really have to say about that.”
Hough is set to star in NBC’s Christmas special “Holidays with the Houghs,” which also features her brother Derek. She’s also making an appearance during the network’s annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.”
A report last week from Variety described a “toxic culture” on the set of “America’s Got Talent” after news that Union and Hough would not be returning to the reality competition for a second year.
Former @AGT Judge @juliannehough Opens Up After Firing: ‘I’m Good… I Totally and Utterly Love Myself’ #PeopleNow
— People (@people) December 4, 2019
Variety alleged racist jokes and “excessive notes” about physical appearance were pervasive before the two freshman judges’ contracts were not renewed.
In a joint statement, NBC and production company Fremantle and Cowell’s entertainment company, Syco, said the companies were working with Union’s representatives to hear more about her concerns and determine the appropriate next steps.
Hough isn’t the first one to speak up about the controversy.
Union took to Twitter on Nov. 27 to thank fans for their support after the report broke, though she did not address the controversy directly.
“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.”
In the wake of the news surrounding Hough and Union’s exits, SAG-AFTRA is investigating the situation.
In a written statement sent to USA TODAY by Pamela Greenwalt, a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson, the organization said it takes issues of “workplace health and safety very seriously.”
