America’s Got Talent judge Gabrielle Union 'told her hair style changes were too black’ for audience

Report alleges that women judges received ‘excessive notes on physical appearance’

America’s Got Talent is at the centre of a scandal after a new report claims the show has become overrun by a “toxic culture”.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that judges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough were to leave the show in what NBC described as an “amicable” parting.

However, Variety now reports that both women were subjected to “excessive notes on their physical appearance”, which allegedly led to hostility with the production team.

According to insiders, the pair received repeated criticism on their hair, makeup and wardrobe, with Union told her rotating hairdos were “too black” for the talent show’s audience.

While Union declined to comment on the report, Hough denied the claims in a statement, saying: “I had a wonderful time on America’s Got Talent. I loved working with the cast, crew and producers.”

She will appear on two new NBC shows, including one alongside her brother, the dancer Derek Hough, called Holidays with the Houghs.

The report also claims that Union witnessed two “racially insensitive” incidents that left her concerned.

One is said to have involved the guest appearance of Jay Leno, who allegedly joked that the depiction of dogs in a painting belonging to judge Simon Cowell looked like something you could find “on the menu at a Korean restaurant”.

The other alleged moment occurred during the audition taping of the latest season, when a white male contestant was seen impersonating numerous famous singers, including Beyoncé.

According to insiders, he “blacked up” his hands during the routine, but was still permitted to performed in front of a live audience, despite Union and other staff members requesting otherwise.

Both moments were edited out at a later stage.

Representatives for NBC, Syco Entertainment and Jay Leno declined to comment.