Nick Cannon Apologizes for Anti-Semitic Comments
Earlier this week, the comedian and host was fired from ViacomCBS.
This week, comedian and television host Nick Cannon was fired from ViacomCBS a day after making anti-Semitic comments on a podcast episode.
In a recent episode of “Cannon’s Class,” Cannon interviewed rapper Professor Griff who left the group after making anti-Semitic remarks. During the podcast, Cannon said Black people are the “true Hebrews” and discussed anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and the Rothschild family. The comedian said, “It’s never hate speech, you can’t be anti-Semitic when we are the Semitic people… we are the true Hebrews.”
Shortly after, ViacomCBS terminated their long-term relationship with Cannon, which also included the comedy series “Wild ‘n Out.” ViacomCBS also responded, “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. We are committed to doing better in our response to incidents of anti-Semitism, racism, and bigotry. ViacomCBS will have further announcements on our efforts to combat hate of all kinds.”
After an initial statement, Cannon apologized to fans Twitter for his remarks by saying, “First and foremost I extend my deepest and most sincere apologies to my Jewish sisters and brothers for the hurtful and divisive words that came out of my mouth during my interview with Richard Griffin.”
First and foremost I extend my deepest and most sincere apologies to my Jewish sisters and brothers for the hurtful and divisive words that came out of my mouth during my interview with Richard Griffin.
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) July 16, 2020
Amidst the controversy, it was confirmed that Nick Cannon will continue to host Fox’s competition series The Masked Singer. “He is clear and remorseful that his words were wrong and lacked both understanding and context, and inadvertently promoted hate,” the network said. “Nick has sincerely apologized, and quickly taken steps to educate himself and make amends. On that basis and given a belief that this moment calls for dialogue, we will move forward with Nick and help him advance this important conversation, broadly. Fox condemns all forms of hate directed toward any community and we will combat bigotry of any kind.”