NBC has opened an investigation into racism and sexism allegations against America’s Got Talent creator Simon Cowell, right.
The network tells Deadline.com they have a “deeper understanding of the facts” after meeting on Wednesday with Gabrielle Union, who was let go as a judge on the talent competition series.
Both NBC and Union called their 5-hour meeting “productive”. Union, 47, asked for the meeting to hear her suggestions on improving the “toxic environment” on the set.
“The initial conversation was candid and productive,” said the network. “While there will be a further investigation to get a deeper understanding of the facts, we are working with Gabrielle to come to a positive resolution.”
Deadline says NBC plans to investigate Union’s allegations that Cowell is “acerbic and overlording” on the set.
“The next step in the process for NBC is to have an as yet undetermined independent investigator prioritize moving things forward,” Deadline writes.
“The ball is in NBC’s court to see if they can get Cowell to agree to make some changes to the way things are done on the show,” an insider tells Deadline.
Another source told People magazine that Cowell “Rubbed a lot of people the wrong way” on AGT. And he is “rarely told no.”
