Nick Cannon fired by ViacomCBS/MTV for anti-Semitic comments

Published By Alexandra Heilbron on Jul 15, 2020

Nick CannonFormer America's Got Talent host fired from ViacomCBS


Nick Cannon, 39, has been let go for anti-Semitic comments he made during the June 30th episode of his YouTube podcast Cannon's Class.

Cannon's guest for the show was Professor Griff, a rapper who was dismissed from the group Public Enemy after making anti-Semitic remarks, including saying “the Jews are wicked” and are responsible for “the majority of wickedness that goes on across the globe.”

On the show, Cannon agreed with the rapper, saying, “You’re speaking facts. There’s no reason to be scared of anything when you’re speaking the truth.”

Later in the show, Cannon claimed Black people are the “true Hebrews," rationalizing, "It’s never hate speech, you can’t be anti-Semitic when we are the Semitic people. When we are the same people who they want to be. That’s our birthright. We are the true Hebrews.”

ViacomCBS is the parent company of MTV and TeenNick. Cannon was a chairman of the TeenNick network and an executive producer of MTV’s Wild 'N Out (2005 - 2019), which he also guest-hosted.

A spokeswoman for the company released the following statement, clarifying that Cannon has not acknowledged or apologized: “ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism. We have spoken with Nick Cannon about an episode of his podcast ‘Cannon’s Class’ on YouTube, which promoted hateful speech and spread anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him.”

Cannon latter tweeted that he has "no hate in my heart nor malice intentions" and doesn’t "condone hate speech." He also said that he holds himself "accountable for this moment" and takes "full responsibility" for his "intentions." ~Alexandra Heilbron


Comments & Discussion

  1. Gwen Collins • 7/15/2020 1:08:48 PM

    Well, there goes your job in the Hollywood industry. You did it to yourself. I am so disappointed in Cannon now.

  2. Jake • 7/15/2020 3:04:55 PM

    When will entertainers learn to keep their mouths shut? Especially when they are racists.

  3. Dot • 7/21/2020 10:38:11 AM

    How does this effect his hosting of the Masked Singer show>? (You don't always "know" a person -- until they open their mouth)! It's too bad.

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