PHOTOSDebra Messing Calls Out NBC Following Gabrielle Union’s ‘America’s Got Talent’ Release
Debra Messing is showing support. The “Will and Grace” actress, 51, called out her show’s network, NBC, after actress Ellen Pompeo and many other celebrities showed Gabrielle Union their support after her recent firing from “America’s Got Talent.”
“Thank you for the @EllenPompeo,” Debra wrote in response to a Tweet from the “Grey’s Anatomy” actress. “The is disgusting behavior from a network that has been my professional home for decades. Yes, women become ‘difficult,’ when their insistence on a respectful and professional working environment is ignored, the actress continued her tweet. “Addressing a hostile work environment is inconvenient when there is a huge money making machine that is involved.”
“The Mysteries of Laura” actress continued her sentiments on the actions of NBC. “It is cowardice, greed, and protection of the status quo revealed. Being ‘hands-off,’ is inexcusable and reflects a laissez fair attitude toward systemic racism and sexism.”
Debra’s comments came after Ellen, 50, left a series of tweets calling out the network directly in regard to Gabrielle, 47, being fired from AGT and the nature of the entertainment business. “@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 practice or culture,” Ellen tweeted.
“I support @itsgabrielleu commitment to speaking up to injustice. It takes courage. 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 line,” the actress expressed. “Don’t cut side deals and don’t not get involved because it isn’t your issue … because it is.”
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Ellen then went on to share her own experience with dealing with a toxic work environment while on the set of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” “Also I feel important to mention our problems on the Grey's set and every set has them … some kind of issue … there’s lots of people in the workplace... point is … exec producers and the NETWORK @abc cared enough to help us make change support is crucial.”
As previously reported, on November 22 it was revealed that Gabrielle and fellow judge Julianne Hough would not be returning to AGT. Reports ran that there was problematic behavior that involved racism and sexism taking place on set and that the “Bring It On” actress allegedly spoke out against these issues shortly before being released.
A spokesperson for NBC responded to these claims in a statement on Tuesday, November 26. “America’s Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show. The judging and host line-up has been regularly refreshed over the years and that is one of the reasons for ‘AGT’ enduring popularity,” the spokesperson stated according to Us Weekly. “NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously.”
Several celebrities and fans have since shown their overwhelming support for the actress, including her husband and NBA superstar Dwyane Wade who questioned his wife’s firing on Twitter on November 27, claiming that he’s “still waiting on a good answer.”
