Terry Crews apologises to Gabrielle Union amidst 'America's Got Talent' race row

Actor Terry Crews has taken to social media to apologise to Gabrielle Union for defending America’s Got Talent after she left the show following accusations of racism and sexism.

Union was a judge on the show until November, but left after she allegedly raised concerns about the toxic environment surrounding the show, including claims of a culture of racism and sexism.

But when asked about the claims, Crews, who hosts the show, appeared to deny there was any racism, branding the show "the most diverse place I have ever been in my 20 years of entertainment".

Read more: Gabrielle Union Responds to Terry Crews’ Comments Doubting Her ‘America’s Got Talent’ Allegations

He also said: "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 on America's Got Talent."

He was criticised for appearing to be unsupportive to Union, and he has now apologised to the Bring It On star after admitting to invalidating her experience.

Addressing the actress in a series of tweets on Friday, he wrote: “I want you to know it was never my intention to invalidate your experience— but that is what I did. I apologise.

"You have been through a lot in this business, and with that I empathise with the struggle toward fairness and equality in the workplace."

He added: “I want to apologise for the comments I made. I realise there are a lot of Black women hurt and let down by what I said and also by what I didn’t say.

Read more: Simon Cowell implicated in latest report about Gabrielle Union's firing from 'America's Got Talent'

“I hear you, I respect you and understand you. I am sorry and I am here to support you."

Crews went on to call Union "a role model to the entire black community" and admitted he he should have "understood you just needed my support".

There has so fare been no response from Union, but her husband, former basketball star Dwyane Wade tweeted: “Someone please take @terrycrews phone.”