Julianne Hough guested on the third hour of the “Today” show Thursday and one of the topics at hand was her and Gabrielle Union’s ousters from “AGT.”
Hough told the NBC News morning show anchors that it “excites” her to see tweets like Union’s from Wednesday, in which the “Bring It On” actress posted about having a lengthy and “productive” meeting with NBC.
Union and her reps have stated that the actress was fired from “America’s Got Talent” after one season for complaining about the behind-the-scenes culture at the hit summer reality competition. Among her complaints were an off-color joke told by guest judge Jay Leno, as well as raising concerns over show creator Simon Cowell’s habit of smoking indoors.
NBC said it is investigating the matter.
“That is what we need — to start conversations — and I just commend Gabrielle for speaking her truth and starting a conversation,” Hough said. “I’m really proud of NBC as well for also showing up and starting a narrative. That’s what’s gonna to change the workplace and the paradigm that we’ve been working in for many, many years. And it’s shifting, and I think that’s really exciting.”
Hough and her brother Derek, both professional dancers, were on the “Today” show to promote their upcoming NBC Christmas special,”Holidays With the Houghs.”
“Holidays With the Houghs” airs Monday, Dec. 16 at 10/9c on NBC.
When asked, Hough said she has “reached out” to Union, but it sounds like they haven’t touched base.
“I think we both have been very busy…hopefully when I get back to L.A. later this afternoon we can have a conversation,” Hough said.
She summed up the experience this way: “Life is crazy and sometimes you can’t control things and when obstacles come your way you have to be graceful about it and have integrity and I think that people with authenticity and integrity will create change.”