Debra Messingis joiningEllen Pompeoin publicly supportingGabrielle Unionfollowing herAmerica’s Got Talentfiring.
Shortly after theGrey’s Anatomystarspoke outfollowing Union’srecent and controversial departurefrom the NBC reality competition series after only one season, theWill and Gracestar criticized the network in a group of scathing tweets.
“Thank you for this @EllenPompeo,” Messing, 51,wrote. “This 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.”
“Addressing a hostile work environment is inconvenient when there is a huge money making machine that is involved. It is cowardice, greed, and protection of the status quo revealed. Being ‘hands off,’ is inexcusable and reflects a laissez faire attitude toward systemic racism and sexism,” she continued, tagging Union.
NBC did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment regarding Messing’s tweets.
Messing has worked on numerous NBC shows over the years. In addition to her role inWill & Gracefrom 1998-2006 as well as its revival — whichwill end in 2020— she also starred inThe Mysteries of Laurafrom 2014-2016 as well asSmash(2012-2013).
In her own tweets, Pompeo praised Union’s “commitment to speaking up to injustice.”
“It’s unfortunate that @nbc the same network that protected disgusting men likeMatt Lauerand punished women for speaking out or not putting up with it…has not changed their practices or culture,” shewrote, noting the formerTodayshow anchor’sfiring for allegations of sexual misconduct. “Workplace cultures willcontinue to be toxicuntil there is unity and solidarity among all women. If you go for self in these moments you undermine the work we are out here trying to do. Obviously this network feels like they can operate like this and it’s okay.”
Michael Loccisano/WireImage; Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic
Pompeo went on to acknowledge that there have been issues on her own show at rival network ABC.
In her own show of support, singerAriana Grandeadded, “thank you for this @EllenPompeo.be better @nbc. we’re with you @itsgabrielleu. ?”
On Monday,blog Love B Scottreported that Union had allegedly spoken out about “problematic” situations on set before her departure. A day later, aVarietyreport made further allegations, with multiple sources telling the publication that while working on the show, Union had expressed concerns over racially insensitive situations during her time as a judge, including a joke guest judgeJay Lenoallegedly made that was later edited out of the episode.
She and Hough, 31, were also both subject to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance, sources alleged inVariety‘s report.
Trae Patton/NBC (2)
In a statement toVariety, dancer/actress 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, Leno, and Simon Cowell‘s Syco Entertainment, which produces AGT, have not responded to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
Trae Patton/NBC
On Wednesday,Union broke her silence, sending a message to her Twitter followers and thanking them 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.”
Union also seemingly referenced the ordeal on her Instagram Stories earlier in the day with a video of herself working out alongside husbandDwyane Wade, who publicly supported her in a series of tweets earlier in the day.
“When the world feels like it’s falling apart. Try to find your peace,” she captioned the clip.
source: people.com
