ViacomCBS has cut ties with Nick Cannon after he made anti-Semitic comments in his podcast Cannon’s Classic.
Cannon has faced criticism for the episode where he discussed racism with Professor Griff, a former member of Public Enemy. The artist notably was forced out of the rap group in 1989 for anti-Semitic comments. The interview lasted around an hour and covered many controversial topics.
Cannon started the episode by praising the rapper for being outspoken and spreading “information” about the Jewish community. They discussed an infamous Black Hebrew Israelite thought that states the original Semitic people are from African descent. Cannon stated, “The Semitic people are Black people.”
Cannon also praised Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, who often faces criticism for his anti-Semitic and homophobic comments. In addition, Farrakhan is classified as an extremist by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The announcement of his firing came Tuesday evening after Cannon failed to apologize for his comments. ViacomCBS, the parent company of Wild ‘N Out, released a statement stating, “We are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him.”
Originally Cannon took to Facebook to defend himself stating Viacom attempted to “make an example of an outspoken Black man.” He also demanded ownership and an apology from Viacom for ‘back door bullying.’
He has now issued an apology to the Jewish community.
I just had the blessed opportunity to converse with Rabbi Abraham Cooper director of global social action @SimonWiesenthal My first words to my brother was, I apologize for the hurt I caused the Jewish Community….
