NBC and America’s Got Talent's independent investigation dismisses Gabrielle Union's allegations of a racist and toxic culture

TheWrap

The independent investigation, however, found that “some areas in which reporting processes could be improved." NBC and AGT producers Fremantle and Syco's outside investigator conducted more than 30 interviews in response to Union's allegations of a toxic and racist culture on the NBC reality show. "Through the investigation process, it has been revealed that no one associated with the show made any insensitive or derogatory remarks about Ms. Union’s appearance, and that neither race nor gender was a contributing factor in the advancement or elimination of contestants at any time," NBC and the AGT producers said in a statement. "The investigation has shown that the concerns raised by Ms. Union had no bearing on the decision not to exercise the option on her contract." According to Variety, Union's complaint has resulted in sensitivity training that was implemented for this season. “There are so many people who are committed to making NBC Universal and Comcast different, who truly want to be a part of the solution and on the right side of history,” says Union, who thinks NBC is hardly alone as a media institution in need of an overhaul, in an interview with Variety. “In the same breath, there are some people who want the wheels of change to come to a grinding halt because they feel that their privilege is being challenged.” ALSO: AGT has its lowest-rated demo premiere, down 18% from last year.