‘America’s Got Talent’ responds to ‘toxic culture’ claims after Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough’s exits

In the wake of news that Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough’s tenure on “America’s Got Talent” is finito after one season, Variety reported the show fostered a “toxic culture” in which both judges’ looks were regularly commented on and, according to one allegation, Gabrielle was repeatedly told her hairstyle was “too black.” Now, “AGT” has issued a response to USA Today on the claims. “‘America’s Got Talent’ has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show,” NBC and the show’s production company Fremantle told the outlet. “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.” As of Wednesday, Nov. 26, reps for the now-former judges had not yet commented.