Nick Cannon's career was saved by a more heartfelt apology after mishandling the first one over his anti-Semitic comments

Variety

"As public-relations disasters go, the one that enveloped Nick Cannon last week was fascinating to watch unfold—and instructive on the limited powers of public apologies," says Andrew Wallenstein. After his anti-Semitic podcast comments became viral last Monday, Cannon seemingly apologized on Facebook, expressing regret without using the words "apologize" or "sorry." ViacomCBS didn't find his comments sufficient, so he was fired the next day. "It seemed like just a matter of time before other partners got in line behind ViacomCBS," says Wallenstein. "But then damage control finally kicked in. After mishandling his first apology, Cannon issued a second, lengthier mea culpa" -- in which he did actually apologize -- "echoed by Fox, home to hit unscripted series The Masked Singer. The broadcast network cited his apology and his professed willingness to engage in dialogues with Jewish leaders to educate himself better as the reasons the company was standing by the actor." Wallenstein adds: "Maybe the network was acknowledging a genuine sense of contrition that came over Cannon a little later than it might have hit other people in his shoes. But skeptics might suggest Cannon’s change of heart really was the delayed realization of how much else he had to lose once ViacomCBS severed ties after his first half-hearted attempt at addressing his despicable podcast commentary. It just goes to show how something as cheap and easy as choosing the right words in the wake of controversies like this can make all the difference between avoiding the kind of blow ViacomCBS dealt and engendering the kind of support Fox delivered. With Fox now at his side, Cannon was able to avoid the downing of the next dominoes: his morning radio program and upcoming new talk show scheduled to launch in the fall. If Fox had followed ViacomCBS’s lead, he very well could have lost both of those gigs as well. Instead, Cannon’s other partners were able to make moves that showed they were being responsive to his bigotry but their actions might be charitably deemed as slaps on the wrist." Wallenstein also points to the year-long delay for Cannon's talk show, which is better than the alternative of outright cancelation.