ViacomCBS fires Nick Cannon over anti-Semitic remarks

TVLine

The host of MTV and VH1's Wild 'N Out has been dropped after anti-Semitic comments he made in an episode of his podcast/YouTube series Cannon’s Class two weeks ago resurfaced over the past few days, prompting Cannon to seemingly apologize on Facebook on Monday. “ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism," ViacomCBS said in a statement. "We have spoken to 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.” In a conversation with former Public Enemy member Richard “Professor Griff” Griffin -- who was fired from the rap group in 1989 for making anti-Semitic comments -- Cannon alluded to several prominent anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, including “the Rothschilds, centralized banking” and “the bloodlines that control everything, even outside of America.” The two also praised Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Cannon also claimed that as a Black man, he couldn't be anti-Semitic. “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.” In his Facebook apology Monday, Cannon wrote: "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. The Black and Jewish communities have both faced enormous hatred, oppression persecution and prejudice for thousands of years and in many ways have and will continue to work together to overcome these obstacles." Last year, MTV renewed Wild ‘n Out for three more seasons with plans to move it to VH1. Cannon continues to host Fox's The Masked Singer and, starting Sept. 21, will start hosting a daytime talk show in syndication.