Sharon Osbourneis speaking out about her own experience as a judge onAmerica’s Got TalentfollowingGabrielle Union‘s controversial firing.
On Monday’s episode ofThe Talk, the women discussed Union’s departure with Osbourne, 67, sharing, “It’s hard.”
“Everybody’s experience on a show is different, and I was at that show for six years. I didn’t get let go,” Osbourne continued.
Osbourne went on to explain that it wasn’t the show itself that pushed her to leave, but instead the network NBC.
“I left. And that’s the truth. I left because NBC, not because of the show. I had my own problems with the network. I don’t know about any of her concerns about the show,” Osbourne said of Union’s grievances.
“Obviously, there wasn’t anybody of color on the panel when I was there. So, I honestly can’t say. But when I was there it was, you know, a great show to work on.”
“The crew and everybody was amazing to me, everybody, except the network,” Osbourne added.
Co-host Sheryl Underwood later chimed in, defending Union saying: “I am always proud when someone in the workplace has the courage to stand up for what is right.”
“It’s something that we need to talk about… things that are appropriate and things that are inappropriate,” Underwood said.
Osbourne was on season 2 through 7 of the competition series. She announced her departure in July 2012.
Later that year she revealed her reason for leaving, explaining it had to do with her son Jack Osbourne.
“I just can’t be fake,” Osbourne told theNew York Post. “It’s discrimination, and it was badly handled.”
In response, NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatttoldthe Associated Press: “This is coming out of context and sort of spontaneously, and we don’t even know what’s going on.”
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.
Stars and Stripesproducer David Hurwitz also spoke out to thePost, explaining Jack was never formally hired and that there were doubts he’d be able to handle the show. “The rigors of the show were too intense for him,” Hurwitz told thePost.
Union and Hough, 31, were also both subject to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance, sources alleged inVariety‘s report.
Trae Patton/NBC.
Unionbroke her silenceon her controversial departure last Wednesday, thanking her followers 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.”
“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,” the statement concluded.
In her tweet, Monique outlined what makes for a “solid apology”: “1. Sincerely admit wrong doing directly to the offended party. 2. Be twice as loud correcting your mistake as you were making the mistake. 3. Lay out steps to correct your behavior in the future. Anything less is covering your own a–.”
Union retweeted Monique’s post, adding, “This! This! AND THIIISSSSSSS!!!!!!”
On Monday, Leno spoke out for the first time since the allegations surfaced.
“I love Gabrielle Union. She’s a great girl. I really enjoyed working with her,” he toldTMZ. “She’s really good.”
When asked if she was treated fairly on the hit competition series, Leno said, “I don’t know … but I think she’s a great girl.”
In a statement toVarietylast week, 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, Cowell and Leno have not responded to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
source: people.com
