Gabrielle Union is Marie Claire's latest digital cover star, and she spoke to the MC about her experience as a judge on America's Got Talent (opens in new tab). After leaving the show, Union filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, describing NBC as a "snake pit of racial crimes" (earlier this month, she and NBC issued a statement saying they had reached an "amicable resolution").

Union recalled the "excessive attention" she received about her appearance, particularly her hairstyle, which producers said was "too wild." If you hire Gabrielle Union for my talent, because my talent will come out of my body in every way, shape, and form I can imagine. The more you allow me to exist as I see fit, the more you will benefit."

She also discussed the environment she experienced on set, including Simon Cowell smoking indoors despite being severely allergic to cigarette smoke, Jay Leno making racist jokes suggesting Koreans eat dog, and the lack of diversity on the show. Asked if she thought Cowell was racist, she replied, "I'm one of those people who would call someone who continually acts racist a racist," adding, "But for those who are super sensitive, let me tell you, he has wildly problematic behavior."

Union said he was disappointed but not surprised by the lack of support from other black stars on NBC, including Al Roker and Terry Crews. She said, "These racist institutions and systems have done a great job of making us very afraid to speak up, to demand equality, to demand accountability, and they've done a great job of making us very afraid to speak up, to demand equality, to demand accountability. Because they have shown time and again that we are disposable."

She also spoke out against those who call the case against NBC an act of retaliation for being fired as a judge on America's Got Talent. She said, "I categorically reject such gaslighting. I will not engage in gaslighting to minimize my trauma.

Union said that age and therapy have helped her to speak up; after turning 40, she "emptied my basket. I can't let fear take center stage in my life." I cannot center my function on fear of scarcity. They say silence is violence, but I refuse to be part of silence. I must be fully present in my body, fully free."