Dwyane Wade blasted America’s Got Talent Wednesday for abruptly firing his wife Gabrielle Union after one season on the series.
“‘Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.’ Over this past year, I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife Gabrielle Union is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show,” the NBA legend tweeted.
The retired Miami Heat champion continued: “So when I got the news that my wife was being fired — my first question was obviously why!? I am still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows Gabrielle Union or have heard of her, you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.”
“Men lie, Women lie, numbers don’t” Over this past year I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife @itsgabrielleu is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019
So when i got the news that my wife was being fired—my first question was obviously why!? Iam still waiting on a good answer to that question. But if anyone knows @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 27, 2019
As previously reported, Union and fellow AGT judge Julianne Hough were recently let go from the series, despite being fan favorites.
Last week website LoveBScott said Union was terminated for speaking up about the “toxic” culture at AGT, including racism and sexism. While she and Hough helped dramatically increase the show’s social media engagement, the site said producers decided not to bring them back.
Related Story: Gabrielle Union Left ‘AGT’ After Criticism for ‘Too Black’ Hairstyles
Then on Tuesday, Nov. 26, new reports surfaced saying Union and Hough were fired after receiving repeated warnings about their “physical appearance.”
The two actresses were reportedly told their hair, makeup and wardrobe choices didn’t always meet the show’s aesthetic. Union was also allegedly told her changing hairstyles were “too black” for the AGT audience.
Wade said he’s proud of Union for “standing up for what she stands for.”
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 and Hough were brought in earlier this year to replace longtime judges Melanie Brown of Spice Girls fame and supermodel Heidi Klum, who left the show after a previous shakeup.
On Tuesday Hough addressed the reports about her termination saying she had a “wonderful time” on the show.
AGT judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews are all expected to return for season 15 of the series in 2020. Cowell co-created America’s Got Talent and also serves as a producer.
So far, the team behind AGT hasn’t responded to Wade’s comments. However, they did issue a statement Tuesday insisting the show is inclusive and trumpets diversity.
“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 production company Fremantle said in a joint statement. “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.”
