Nick Cannon won’t be hosting his Power 106 radio show for a while. The veteran entertainer has announced a hiatus from the airwaves after generating controversy for anti-Semitic comments made on his Cannon’s Class podcast.
“Morning radio family,” he wrote via Twitter. “I have decided to take some time away from my radio show so I can commit myself to deeper, more thorough reflection and education.”
Morning radio family. I have decided to take some time away from my radio show so I can commit myself to deeper, more thorough reflection and education.
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) July 16, 2020
According to Cannon, his radio hiatus isn’t simply about getting out of the spotlight. The Wild ‘N Out creator said he will work to rectify any harm caused by his statements.
“I will use this time to establish an action plan towards real, impactful change and advocacy aimed at bringing people together,” he explained. “I continue to express my gratitude to the Rabbis, community leaders and institutions who have reached out to me to help enlighten me.”
He concluded, “Their input and friendship will help me as I further commit myself to more profound learning and towards strengthening the bond between the Black and Jewish cultures every day going forward.”
I will use this time to establish an action plan towards real, impactful change and advocacy aimed at bringing people together.
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) July 16, 2020
I continue to express my gratitude to the Rabbis, community leaders and institutions who have reached out to me to help enlighten me.
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) July 16, 2020
Their input and friendship will help me as I further commit myself to more profound learning and towards strengthening the bond between the Black and Jewish cultures every day going forward.
— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) July 16, 2020
Cannon’s decision to put his radio career on hold comes after he was fired by ViacomCBS for making anti-Semitic remarks during an episode of his podcast featuring former Public Enemy member Professor Griff. In 1989, Griff was ousted from the legendary group for anti-Semitic statements of his own yet Cannon said he was “speaking facts” when revisiting the topic.
“It’s never hate speech — you can’t be anti-Semitic when we are the Semitic people,” Cannon said. “When we are the same people who they want to be. That’s our birthright. We are the true Hebrews.”
The multi-hyphenate was dropped by ViacomCBS after clips from the podcast went viral. He later apologized and said he doesn’t “condone hate speech nor the spread of hateful rhetoric.”
“If I have furthered the hate speech, I wholeheartedly apologize,” he wrote on Facebook.
Jewish Rapper Explains How Nick Cannon Is ‘Problematic’ Following Anti-Semitic Comments
But Cannon also took aim at ViacomCBS, seeking ownership of his show Wild ‘N Out, which has been an MTV property for years.
“I demand full ownership of my billion dollar Wild ‘N Out brand that I created, and they will continue to misuse and destroy without my leadership!” he declared. “I demand that the hate and back door bullying cease and while we are at it, now that the truth is out, I demand the Apology!”
Since being canned by ViacomCBS, Cannon has been offered a spot at REVOLT TV by Diddy. He’s also retained his gig as host of FOX’s The Masked Singer.
“When we were made aware of Nick Cannon’s interview with Richard Griffin on YouTube, we immediately began a dialogue with Nick,” FOX announced via Twitter. “He is clear and remorseful that his words were wrong and lacked both understanding and context, and inadvertently promoted hate. This was important for us to observe. Nick has sincerely apologized, and quickly taken steps to educate himself and make amends.”
The company noted, “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.”
When we were made aware of Nick Cannon’s interview with Richard Griffin on YouTube, we immediately began a dialogue with Nick. He is clear and remorseful that his words were wrong and lacked both understanding and context, and inadvertently promoted hate.
— FOX (@FOXTV) July 16, 2020
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.
— FOX (@FOXTV) July 16, 2020