Fans revive #BlackHairChallenge in support of Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union has inspired the revival of the #BlackHairChallenge on social media after allegedly being told her changing hairstyles were “too black” for ‘America’s Got Talent’.
Earlier this month, according to Variety, it was reported that Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough were subject to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance during their one-season stint on the show.
Yahoo UK approached representatives for ‘America’s Got Talent’, Simon Cowell and Gabrielle Union for comment and in an updated joint statement series producer Fremantle, NBC, the network which broadcasts ‘America’s Got Talent’ and Syco said: “We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture.
“We are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate.”
In her first tweet since the news broke, Union did not address the controversy, but she thanked fans for their support.
“So many tears, so much gratitude," she tweeted earlier this week. “THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone... you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever.”
READ MORE: Gabrielle Union, 46, praised for 'natural' bikini body: 'Where is the fountain of youth?'
So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone... you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever ❤
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 28, 2019
What is the #BlackHairChallenge?
Her fans have decided to show their support and solidarity for the star by flocking to Twitter to take part in the #BlackHairChallenge.
The challenge first originated back in 2017 after Melanin Mamis - a platform for female empowerment - encouraged individuals to share pictures of themselves with up to four different hairstyles to celebrate the versatility of black hair.
“Let’s make this a thing. Upload pictures of yourself wearing four different hairstyles and tag #blackhairchallenge,” they wrote.
Now, the hashtag is taking off once more, with people once again using it to illustrate their support for Union.
READ MORE: Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade release limited-edition T-shirts to support LGBTQ youth
This post was made for me and my unapologetically black self#blackhairchallenge pic.twitter.com/RjNK4nbo0w
— Scooter Phoenix is Ready for re:Invent (@ScooterPhoenix) November 29, 2019
#BlackHairChallenge.
Because Black women are incredible, creative and bold...and if y’all could change your hair this much...you would too. Trust me.
Team @itsgabrielleu. All day. pic.twitter.com/rgvoNypiXr— brittany packnett cunningham (@MsPackyetti) November 28, 2019
You can change your hair every damn day if you want. Solidarity w/@itsgabrielleu and the beautiful #blackhairchallenge gracing my feed. My hair can be a different texture/length on any given day depending on what I decide to do with it. Same chick. Diff day. Still doing my job. pic.twitter.com/SgHviksbsd
— yamani yansà hernandez (@yamaniyansa) November 28, 2019
sorry not sorry that versatility bothers america so much #blackhairchallenge pic.twitter.com/IsgXNuE8Te
— 🧸 (@yslvictoria) November 29, 2019
So many beautiful styles. Long may the #BlackHairChallenge continue.