Moments Gabrielle and Julianne Stood Up to Simon Cowell on ‘AGT’ that Everyone Missed
NBC Reading Time: 4 minutes
Now It Makes Sense! We just had an aha moment and all the sexist comments and rifts on AGT that we all didn’t take seriously until now are making sense. Although Talent recap did write an article about Julianne Hough calling out Simon Cowell on his sexist comment, we really thought it was a one off but now with all the Gabrielle Union accusations, maybe these women have been giving us signals all along…
When Simon Cowell made his trademark “meow” noise during Julianne’s critique of an all-female act, Julianne spoke up. It started after high-kick act the Emerald Belles performed during the Judge Cuts round. Julianne told the group that their routine was “extremely tight,” but added, “It still had a bit of a high school element to it.” Simon, who is a fan of the group, leaned into the microphone to say, “Meow.” It prompted laughter from the audience.
Julianne Called Simon Out for “Meowing”!
“Do not start with the meows,” Julianne told Simon as soon as he made the sound. She then finished providing her commentary to the group, telling them to “up your game” but emphasizing that they still did “a great job.”
Afterward, Julianne turned to the other judges and said, “Somebody kick him the next time he meows.” Guest judge Brad Paisley questioned whether the noise was supposed to refer to a “catfight,” to which Julianne said “Yeah, like I’m a cat”. Brad then confirmed to Simon, “Yeah, you’re gonna get in trouble.”
WATCH JULIANNE HOUGH CONFRONT SIMON COWELL OVER HIS SEXIST HABIT ON ‘AGT’
Julianne then joked that she was going to spit her drink in Simon’s face, prompting him to say, “I take it back. I take it back. I won’t ever say that again.” Now that would be cool if it was Mel B or Heidi Klum, this was Julianne Hough, the first time AGT judge who is not as close to Simon as the previous ladies.
The media has been focused on the aftermath of the firing but we need to focus on the under the radar tension and snubs that might have lead to a larger rift.
Gabrielle Union Calls Out Simon On ‘AGT’
Now Gab Union hasn’t officially called out Simon through it all, “sources” and people “close to Gabrielle” have come out to spill the tea. Which by the way, sis, should have come piping hot from your kettle directly.
OUCH! FEISTY GABRIELLE UNION SHUTS DOWN SIMON COWELL WITH HIS OWN WORDS ON ‘AGT’
The whole AGT and Gabrielle Union saga is detailed and we have a few updates about it later in the article, so wait for it as you scroll down but watch this video for undercurrents of brewing conflict!
Women Simon Cowell Has Fired Over The Years
Former AGT judges Howard Stern and Sharon Osbourne have called the show a “boys club.” They also pointed out that Simon constantly changes out the female judges on his panels, while the men stick around for years.
If you think about it, there have been several dramatic exits from women on Simon Cowell’s shows over the years. Some of them even spoke out about being treated unfairly. In contrast, Howie Mandel recently celebrated 10 years on AGT.
SHARON OSBOURNE CALLS OUT SIMON COWELL FOR PAYING GIRLS LESS THAN THE BOYS
Earlier this year, Sharon Osbourne said Simon fired her from X Factor for being “too old.” Pop star Cheryl was booted from the American X Factor after only a few episodes, and Simon later made rude comments about her appearance. Later, the show didn’t renew Britney Spears’ contract, as Simon said she was “uncomfortable” with judging.
In 2012, The X Factor axed Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul, with Paula reportedly being called “irrelevant to the mix.” Simon also booted Mel B from the panel in 2015. Now that Gabrielle and Julianne were let go, it’s starting to look like a pretty sexist habit on Simon’s part.
Randy Jackson Talks About ‘AGT’ Drama
Gabrielle was reportedly fired from the show after complaining about a “toxic” workplace culture. That apparently included rude behavior from Simon, as well as comments from others that Gabrielle’s hairstyles were “too black.”
“It’s a tough situation. I’m sorry for her. I feel bad about that situation but I love her,” Randy told Us Weekly of Gabrielle at the World’s Big Sleep Out event over the weekend. “I’m sure they’ll figure it out. Cowell’s my boy, you know I mean I love him. It’s a great franchise. I’m sure they’ll work it out and figure it out.”
TWITTER CANCELS SIMON COWELL FOLLOWING GABRIELLE UNION DRAMA
It doesn’t look like Randy wants to take a side in this situation, much like AGT host Terry Crews and fellow ousted judge Julianne Hough. “I trust that NBC is doing what they need to do,” Randy added, referring to the network’s recent meeting with Gabrielle.
The meeting lasted five hours, and both sides called it “productive.” Much of the meeting reportedly revolved around Simon, who has apparently hired a new lawyer ahead of a possible investigation.
