Gabrielle Union shares photos of hairstyles that were ‘too black’ for America’s Got Talent

‘I don’t take notes rooted in anti-blackness’

Sarah Young
Saturday 14 December 2019 14:48 GMT
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Gabrielle Union's Instagram video of hairstyles over a speech on feminism

Gabrielle Union has defended her choice of hairstyles after the actor was reportedly told they were “too black” for America’s Got Talent.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough were to leave the NBC talent show, after appearing on it for one season.

It was recently reported that both women were subjected to “excessive notes on their physical appearance” throughout their time on the show, with Union being informed that her hairstyles were “too black” for the audience.

On Friday, the 47-year-old actor shared a video originally posted by her hairstylist, Larry Sims, last week.

The video features a collection of photos of Union sporting a myriad of different hairstyles, including ponytails, bobs and top knot buns.

Alongside the video, Union posted a powerful caption in which she urged her followers to be themselves.

“Unapologetically me. Be comfortable and confident with your whole a** self. It might give others the fluuuxxx but never stop being you. You can shine on your own terms,” she wrote.

“And if you got something to say, I don’t take notes rooted in anti-blackness. I love me as I am.”

The original post by Sims included a similarly powerful caption, with the hairstylist leaping to Union’s defence, writing: “Too Black? Nah… She’s FLAWLESS!!!”

In response to the video Union commented: “I love you!!!”

Last month, the actor also inspired the revival of the #BlackHairChallenge on Twitter, which involves people using the hashtag and sharing up to four pictures of themselves with different hairstyles to highlight and celebrate the versatility of black hair.

Following the news of the alleged comments towards Union, several social media users expressed their outrage and decided to demonstrate their solidarity with Union by taking part in the challenge.

“You can change your hair every damn day if you want. Solidarity with Gabrielle Union and the beautiful #blackhairchallenge gracing my feed,” one person tweeted.

A spokesperson for NBC and production company Fremantle has since responded to the claims with a statement, saying: “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’s enduring popularity. NBC and the producers take any issues on set seriously."

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