From All Access

Cannon Demands Apology From ViacomCBS; Demands Ownership Of ‘Wild ‘N Out’ Brand

SKYVIEW NETWORKS’ syndicated host and MERUELO MEDIA Top 40/Rhythmic KPWR (POWER 106)/LOS ANGELES morning host NICK CANNON has been fired by VIACOMCBS for making anti-Semitic remarks during a recent podcast in which he talked about conspiracy theories about Jewish people and praised a minister notorious for anti-Jewish comments.

THE NEW YORK TIMES reports, “CANNON, 39, had worked as an executive producer and chairman of TEENNICK, a spinoff of the network NICKELODEON geared toward teenagers. He had also been a host and executive producer of the MTV comedy show ‘Wild ’N Out.’ A VIACOMCBS spokeswoman said in a statement that the company categorically denounced 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,” the statement said. “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.”

Here’s the podcast in question:

In a tweet, CANNON wrote, “Anyone who knows me knows that I have no hate in my heart nor malice intentions.”

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.— Nick Cannon (@NickCannon) July 13, 2020

CANNON later responded with a long FACEBOOK post demanding an apology from VIACOMCBS and demanding ownership of the “WILD ‘N OUT” brand, saying that a “moment so close to reconciliation” was “stolen and highjacked to make an example of an outspoken black man” and insisting, “I will not be bullied, silenced, or continuously oppressed by any organization, group, or corporation. I am disappointed that VIACOM does not understand or respect the power of the black community.”  Recounting his history with the company since he was 17 years old, CANNON added, “I don’t have to defend myself here, the proof is in the history. I believed that the corporation was becoming more progressive and willing to create helpful spaces and dialogue in these difficult and uncertain times of 2020,” only to find that the company “chose to recently ban all advertisement that supported GEORGE FLOYD and BREONNA TAYLOR who we are all still seeking justice for”; he added that he reached out to owner SHARI REDSTONE “to have a conversation of reconciliation and actually apologize if I said anything that pained or hurt her or her community” but did not receive an answer.

CANNON claimed that VIACOMCBS’ statement in its official press release saying that he did not attempt to correct the situation was a “flat out lie” and added, “They can try to kick me while I’m down or force me to kiss the master’s feet in public for shame and ridicule, but instead I stand firm on my square with my fist in the air repeating my mantra, ‘You can’t fire a Boss!'” He said that he has received an “outpouring of love and support from the Jewish community. It has been amazing. I have spoken with many Rabbis, clergy, Professors and coworkers who offer their sincere help. I must apologize to my Jewish Brothers and Sisters for putting them in such a painful position, which was never my intention, but I know this whole situation has hurt many people and together we will make it right.” He noted his three-decade relationship with business partner MICHAEL GOLDMAN and said that he has been invited to, and will travel to, ISRAEL to learn about Jewish history.

SOURCE: https://www.allaccess.com/