Aspublic outrageoverGabrielle UnionandJulianne Hough‘s controversial exits fromAmerica’s Got Talentsimmers, series creatorSimon Cowellhas announced a new charitable venture.
On Wednesday,X FactorwinnerLeona Lewisrevealed that Cowell had been named one of four new celebrity ambassadors forHopefield Animal Sanctuary, which aims to provide a safe and loving home for abused, abandoned and neglected animals and promote humane behavior towards animals around the world.
“As a huge animal lover when Leona told me about the work that they are doing at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary I immediately jumped at the chance to help support,” said Cowell, 60, in a statement. “The passion that I felt from Leona was immense and the way she described some of the individual rescue stories to me has made a huge impact.”
“They provide a safe home for over 500 animals on 53 acres in Essex and are positively changing the lives of animals that would otherwise have very different stories,” he continued. “I am excited to be an ambassador for them and help bring awareness to their work. Leona can’t do this alone and will need help from others who also love animals. Any support will be much appreciated and will make a difference.”
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Union and Hough, 31, were also both subject to “excessive notes” on their physical appearance, sources alleged inVariety‘s report. (Hough has denied having a negative experience on the show.)
Trae Patton/NBC
Leno’s rep has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment, but the comedianaddressed the situationwith aTMZcameraman earlier this week.
“I love Gabrielle Union,” he said. “She’s a great girl. I really enjoyed working with her. She’s really good.”
Asked if she was treated fairly on the show, Leno said, “I don’t know … but I think she’s a great girl.”
Cowell — who last yeardonated $32,600to help save 200 dogs andshut down a dog meat farm in South Korea— has not directly addressed the controversy, but on Dec. 1, his company Syco Entertainment, which producesAGT,released the following joint statementwith NBC and production company Fremantle: “We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture. We are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate.”
Union has not issued an official statement directly addressing the allegations, but shethanked fans for their supporton Nov. 27.
“So many tears, so much gratitude,” shetweeted. “THANK YOU! Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone… you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful, forever.”
source: people.com
