A joke about Koreans didn't sit well with Gabrielle Union, so she got fired from 'America's Got Talent'

NBC

Gabrielle Union and Juliene Hough are leaving 'America's Got Talent.'

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America’s Got Talent hosts Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough have been fired as judge’s of the popular show, reports Variety, amidst concerns of a “toxic culture” at the program.
A report from the entertainment publication points to an incident when Jay Leno joined the program as a guest host and made a joke about a painting of judge and executive producer Simon Cowell surrounded by dogs

Leno commented the pets looked like something you might find “on the menu of a Korean restaurant.” Individuals found the joke to be offensive, especially considering “the very few Asian staffers” working for the show. At least one of those Asians heard the joke.

Union is said to have encouraged producers to report the incident to HR, but sources tell Variety the incident never reached that level. The joke was edited out the episode before it aired.

Union declined to comment about the incident. A representative for Jay Leno did not return Variety’s request for comment nor did Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment,

"America’s Got Talent has a long history of inclusivity and diversity in both our talent and the acts championed by the show,” NBC and series producer Fremantle said. “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.”

Variety also reported that Union and Hough were upset about receiving excessive notes about their appearance. Union reportedly received notes that her numerous hairstyles were “too Black” for the audience.

She was also upset that a black 9-year old rapper that she liked was rejected by the producers in favor of a white dance team because the producers wanted an act the audience could get behind.

NBA superstar Dwyane Wade defended his wife on social media.

For her part, Union expressed gratification for all the support she received from her husband and fans.

Hough, who was advised on how to wear her hair and the clothes she wore, had nothing but good things to say about working with NBC.

“I had a wonderful time on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ I loved working with the cast, crew and producers. I am happy to continue my working relationship with NBC,” she said. “I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”

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America's Got Talent: Kodi Lee wows judges and awarded a Golden Buzzer

SCREEN CAPTURE / NBC

Blind and autistic Kodi Lee brings the judges to tears.

Listen and watch Kodi Lee sing and if you don't get the "feels," you're made of stone.

Lee appeared on the 14th Season of America's Got Talent, brought tears to the judges' eyes, received a standing ovation from the audience and was awarded the Golden Buzzer.

The Golden Buzzer from judge Gabrielle Union allows Korean American Lee to be sent straight to the live performance rounds and skip the intermediate competition.

As the 22-year old contestant played piano and sang Donny Hathaway's song "A Song For You," the camera caught Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough tearing up as they listened to the blind and autistic Lee.

"What just happened there was really extraordinary,” judge Simon Cowell said of Lee’s singing. “I'm going to remember this moment for the rest of my life."

“I wanted a performer that was going to change the world,” Union said in a video posted to social media explaining her decision. “I believe Kodi was that act."

Kodi Lee’s parents are of mixed ethnicity. His father, Eric, is of Korean descent.

When Kodi was younger, it was discovered that he has perfect pitch, a photographic memory and an ear for music.

His mother, Tina Lee, said that her son's experiences as a performer have helped him adjust to meeting new people and being in crowds, two things he had previously struggled with. “That was the deal. We said if you want to perform, you have to shake people’s hands and you got to let people come up and say hello to you,” she said. “And it worked.”

Until the live performance rounds of America's Got Talent sometime in late summer, Kodi Lee and his band are performing to sold out audiences at various venues in Southern California. The video of AGT audition has gone viral with millions of views.

America's Got Talent airs 8 p.m., Tuesdays on NBC, 

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Kodi Lee's family watched from offstage during his AGT auditioin with host Terry Crews. They include his mother Tina, brother Derek, sister Kayle and father Eric Lee.

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