Gabrielle Union Proudly Embraces Her Hair After It Was Allegedly Called ‘Too Black' For 'America’s Got Talent'

Gabrielle Union is sharing her love for her hair after it was reported that the makers of America’s Got Talent allegedly told her that her styles were ‘too black’ for viewers.

Last week, the actress’ hairstylist Larry Sims took to Instagram to defend her by sharing a slideshow of the Bring It On star’s hairstyles during her time as a judge on the hit show.

Now, the 47-year-old is posting the same clip and encouraging her followers to love who they are.

‘Unapologetically me,’ Union wrote in the caption of the slideshow which featured images of her with ponytails, bobs and top knot buns.

‘Be comfortable and confident with your whole ass self. It might give others the fluuuxxx but never stop being you. You can shine on your own terms. And if you got something to say I don’t take notes rooted in anti-blackness. I love me as I am [sic].’

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Sims originally captioned the clip 'Gabrielle, too black? Nah…She’s flawless', prompting the actress to comment on the post with a love heart emoji and the message ‘I love you’.

Last month, it was announced that Union and her fellow judge Julianne Hough would not be returning for the show’s 15^th season.

Variety later published a report claiming that Union voiced concerns over racially insensitive moments on the show, with her and Hough both being subjected to ‘excessive notes’ on their appearance.

One comment allegedly alluded to Union’s hairstyles being ‘took black’ for the programme, according to the publication.

A spokesperson for NBC and production company Fremantle responded to the claims, telling PEOPLE: ‘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.’

Union’s husband, NBA player Dwyane Wade, came out in support of the former judge on social media, congratulating his wife’s for being honest and questioning why the show would fire one of it’s most important personalities.

‘Over this past year I’ve been approached by many people saying that my wife [Union] is the main reason they’ve started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show [sic],’ he wrote in one post.

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'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 @itsgabrielleu or have heard of her you know she’s an advocate for our community and culture.'

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He added that he was proud of her for were of her 'standing up for what she stands for and that’s US'.

Earlier this month, Union revealed on Twitter that she had met with representatives from NBC, Freemantle and Syco Entertainment which produce the show.

‘We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be, productive meeting yesterday,” Union wrote on the social media platform. ‘I was able to again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.’

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In recent weeks, several celebrities including Sharon Osbourne, Jameela Jamil, Ellen Pompeo and Ariana Grande have come out in support of Union.

The Time’s Up initiative also came out in support of Union, launching a petition calling for NBC to recognise its 'racist and inappropriate behaviour' Union allegedly experienced during her time on America’s Got Talent stint.

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Katie O'Malley

Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.