NICK Cannon has been fired by ViacomCBS for "anti-semitic" comments as the network said that it doesn't condone "racism and bigotry."
The 39-year-old came under fire for using offensive language during the June 30 episode of his podcast Cannon's Class.
Nick interviewed Professor Griff, a rapper previously part of Public Enemy before leaving the group after he made anti-Semitic remarks, in the recent episode.
During the podcast, the host said black people are the "true Hebrews" and discussed anti-semitic conspiracy theories that involve the Rothschild family.
He said: "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."
A rep from ViacomCBS released a statement to Variety, stating: "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."
Nick responded to the backlash on Twitter on Monday, writing: "Anyone who knows me knows that I have no hate in my heart nor malice intentions.
"I do not condone hate speech nor the spread of hateful rhetoric. We are living in a time when it is more important than ever to promote unity and understanding."
He continued: "I hold myself accountable for this moment and take full responsibility because My intentions are only to show that as a beautiful human species we have way more commonalities than differences, So let’s embrace those as well as each other."
Nick has worked with Viacom since he starred on Nickelodeon's All That in 1998.
He has hosted the MTV and VH1 sketch comedy show Wild 'n Out since 2005.
Nick currently hosts The Masked Singer, while he previously served as the host of America's Got Talent from 2009-2016.
The former ViacomCBS employee was previously married to Mariah Carey from 2008-2016.
They share two children, while he also shares a son with model Brittany Bell.
Source: Read Full Article