'America's Got Talent: The Champions' Returns After Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union's 'AGT' Exits

TheAmerica’s Got Talentfranchise is back on air amid the drama surroundingGabrielle UnionandJulianne Hough‘s exits from the show.

The show went on business as usual, with no mention of the scandal on the flagship series.

News broke on Nov. 22 that Union, 47, and Hough, 31,would not be returningforAGT‘s 15th season. The announcementstirred up a controversyover Union’s reported allegations of racial insensitivities on set.

America’s Got Talent.Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty

The report also claimed both Union and Hough said they were subjected to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance, sources alleged inVariety‘s report. In one instance, Union reportedly said she was told her ever-changing hairstyles were “too black” forAGT‘s audience, while Hough reportedly said she received constant criticism on her hair, makeup and wardrobe.

In a statement to the publication at the time, Hough denied that she had a negative experience on the show and said she was “happy to continue my working relationship with NBC.”

Hough later spoke out in support of Union.

Union also tweeted about the talk, writing, “We had a lengthy 5-hour, and what I thought to be,productive meetingyesterday. I was able to again, express my unfiltered truth. I led with transparency and my desire and hope for real change.”

Trae Patton/NBC (2)

Show creator and judge Cowell has reportedly enlisted tenacious longtime Hollywood litigator Larry Stein as his legal representation. (Union is working with Megyn Kelly’s former attorney Bryan Freedman.)

Still, many involved are hopeful for a positive outcome.

“The initial conversation was candid and productive,” an NBC spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE about their sit-down with Union. “While there will be afurther investigationto get a deeper understanding of the facts, we are working with Gabrielle to come to a positive resolution.”

source: people.com