CULTURE, RACE FLAP HITS ‘AGT’

Labor union backs axed contestant

Gabrielle Union’s exit from “America’s Got Talent” amid claims of workplace toxicity has triggered an investigation by the actor’s union SAGAFTRA.

Union was dismissed from the NBC talent competition last month after she complained about content she found racially offensive and head judge Simon Cowell’s habit of smoking indoors, according to reports by Love B. Scott, Variety and Vulture.

The actress and author, 47, also reportedly received feedback that her rotating hair styles were “too black” for the show’s audience, unidentified sources told Variety.

“We take issues of workplace health and safety very seriously. We immediately reached out to Ms. Union’s representatives when these reports came to light,” SAGAFTRA said in a statement to the Daily News.

“It is our practice to work closely with members who reach out to us and their representatives in instances like this, as that usually affords the best protection and best resolution for the affected member,” the statement said.

“For certain matters, our investigation and enforcement needs to happen independently and we are prepared to handle this issue accordingly,” it said.

SAG-AFTRA said its probes usually are handled confidentially, but it’s willing to confirm such actions when “the member requests that we do so.”

“While we have taken steps to investigate this matter, we have nothing to report now,” the statement said.

Union broke her silence on the matter late Wednesday after her husband Dwyane Wade said in a series of Twitter posts that she was “fired” for “standing up” and being an “advocate for our community and culture.”

In her own post, the actress told her 4 million followers that she was grateful for their support amid the controversy.

“So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone… you got me up off the ground,” she tweeted.

In an updated joint statement, show producers NBC, Fremantle and Syco defended the show’s record and said they were working with Union to address her concerns.

“We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture,” they said.

“America’s Got Talent” contestant Gabrielle Union (main photo) says race played a role in her being bounced from the show; she also hit Simon Cowell (far right) for smoking indoors.