Terry Crews received heat for siding with America’s Got Talent and simultaneously throwing Gabrielle Union under the bus.
What We Know:
- Firstly, Crews took to Twitter defending himself from the backlash for siding with America’s Got Talent. Unfortunately, Crews fueled the flame, leaving many unhappy with his response to the show’s treatment of Gabrielle Union. Some suggested the actor be silent and flex his pecks.
- Crews said in an interview with 3rd Hour of Today, that he never experienced any of the problems that Union faced. “I can’t speak for sexism because I’m not a woman… but I can speak on behalf of any racism comments. That was never my experience,” Crews said. The actor added, “In fact, it was the most diverse place I’ve ever been in my 20 years of entertainment.” Many responded negatively, mostly critiquing him on being silent and more empathetic.
- Gabrielle Union responded to Crews with multiple tweets:
Thank u! Cuz girlllllll 😐 Truth telling, wanting change & having MULTIPLE witnesses who bravely came forward to let EVERYONE know I didn't lie or exaggerate, really exposes those who enthusiastically will throw you under the bus, forgetting quickly who stepped up 4 THEIR truth. https://t.co/X1uooWTpmK
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) January 24, 2020
Can someone please ask abt what happens to all that diversity folks are talking about BEHIND THE SCENES. Like, legit… where the hell is all that diversity in the production though homie? In the decision making ranks who control the fate of the diversity in front of the camera?
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) January 24, 2020
- Crews later posted on Twitter saying, “There is only one woman one earth I have to please. Her name is Rebecca.” The actor added, “Not my mother, my sister, my daughters or co-workers. I will let her husband/boyfriend/partner take care of them. Rebecca gives me WINGS–“
https://twitter.com/terrycrews/status/1221849219528417281?s=20
- Furthermore, the actor added on Twitter: “I’m a hog. You’re a chicken. Just ‘cuz you gave me eggs– Don’t mean I owe you bacon,” Ancient Flint Michigan Proverb”. Crews misinterpreted responders’ proposal that the actor remained silent, and suggested he say something like “My experiences were positive. I have nothing further to say on the matter.” But, Crews opted to utter differently.
https://twitter.com/terrycrews/status/1221801554996412416?s=20
- In contrast to Crews’ response, in 2017, Union supported Crews on his sexual assault allegations when he claimed he was the victim of a sexual assault by a “high-level Hollywood executive”. The executive allegedly groped Crews at a party in 2016. Subsequently, Crews admitted not sharing the incident in fear of being ostracized.
As Malcolm X once said, “You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it”.
