NBC's latest soap opera colors the reality of America as the land of opportunity

Union sure took a beating after she signed on to be a judge for the 14th season of "America's Got Talent."

Look, I don't know why Union was fired. And neither do you. The actress has her take. Simon Cowell -- a fellow judge and the show's executive producer -- saw things differently.

The acerbic Brit -- whom viewers of Fox's "American Idol" loved to hate when he was a judge on that program -- created the NBC show and owns it. So he controls the content. According to media reports, Cowell thought Union was "difficult." It appears that Union -- who would often butt heads with Cowell and producers -- felt as if she were experiencing a hostile work environment.

It also seems that -- here's where it gets dicey -- some of the hostility had to do with racial and gender issues. Union has said she was repeatedly told by people working on the show that her hair and wardrobe choices were "too black." Producers were also reportedly "annoyed" by Union's habit of asking contestants who dressed in drag for their preferred pronouns.

Fellow judge Howie Mandel may have also flirted with stereotype. According to Union, when discussing a black choir from South Africa, Mandel suggested, "Maybe they can sing something from 'The Lion King.'"

NBC has launched an investigation, and it is trying to figure out who said what -- and what they meant by it.

Union was brave to come forward with these accusations. There may still be pushback or retaliation. Other jobs may not come as quickly as they once did. But doing the right thing is always the best course.

One of the most egregious stories involves a 10-year-old black rapper named Dylan Gilmer. When Union expressed support for the boy, producers poured cold water on the idea that someone like him could ever win the competition. They reportedly said the show "needed to pick an act America can get behind."

America deserves more credit than that. It's real talent has always been allowing people to achieve their dreams, regardless of the prejudice of others.

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Ruben Navarrette's email address is ruben@rubennavarrette.com. His daily podcast, "Navarrette Nation," is available through every podcast app.