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Simon Cowell’s America’s Got Talent producers accused of racism by axed AGT judge Gabrielle Union

PRODUCERS at Simon Cowell's series, America's Got Talent, have been accused of racism by ex judge Gabrielle Union, who alleges she was told her style was "too black."

The axed TV star, 47, is threatening legal action according to , after the controversial suggestions she claims were made by NBC and Freemantle producers about both her clothing and her hairstyle.

 Simon Cowell's AGT producers have been threatened with legal action by axed judge Gabrielle Union
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Simon Cowell's AGT producers have been threatened with legal action by axed judge Gabrielle UnionCredit: Getty - Contributor

Gabrielle is an American voice artist, actress and author and was a judge on AGT's 14th season, in 2019, after replacing Spice Girl Mel B.

Her contract was not renewed in November.

The star has now opened up on what she brands a "toxic" working environment on the show Stateside, during her allegations against NBC and Freemantle.

A source close to Gabrielle told The Mail on Sunday of her complaint, and said she was in talks with Simon's team and broadcaster NBC, to thrash out a solution.

 Gabrielle has made her claims against show producers NBC and Freemantle not Simon himself
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Gabrielle has made her claims against show producers NBC and Freemantle not Simon himselfCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Gabrielle claims producers of the show told her her styling and hair was 'too black'
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Gabrielle claims producers of the show told her her styling and hair was 'too black'Credit: 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC
 The US actress' contract was not renewed after just one series of AGT
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The US actress' contract was not renewed after just one series of AGTCredit: 2019 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

They said: "Gabrielle kept complaining about Simon's total autonomy on set.

"There were no other channels to go through to make a complaint about conditions.

"She was shocked when she was told that her hair and wardrobe was 'too black' and she immediately tried to lodge a complaint, but there wasn't a place to go."

Freemantle, NBC and Syco have now appointed an independent investigator to look into the claims.

 Gabrielle alleges the environment on AGT is toxic, after she replaced Mel B on the Syco-produced show
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Gabrielle alleges the environment on AGT is toxic, after she replaced Mel B on the Syco-produced showCredit: Getty - Contributor

This came after a four-hour meeting with the team "to get a deeper understanding of the facts" according to MailOnline.

While Simon was absent, a representative for Freemantle was present.

In a statement last night, Syco, AGT co-producer Freemantle and NBC said: 'AGT has a long history of inclusivity and diversity.

"We are working with Ms Union… to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate."

AGT Jennifer Hough was also axed after one series on the show.

The Sun Online has gone to Simon's reps for comment.

Gabrielle Union tells America’s Got Talent she hates people who ‘pass the buck’ and avoid accountability


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