ViacomCBS, the media conglomerate responsible for networks such as MTV, BET, VH1, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and the major studio Paramount Pictures, has decided to part ways with Nick Cannon after leadership of the company interpreted his latest episode of YouTube podcast Cannon’s Class as anti-semitic.
“ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism,” a statement from ViacomCBS read. “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 failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him.”
Cannon has made a lot of money for ViacomCBS with his millennial and Gen Z targeted show Wild ’N Out that airs on MTV. Early Wednesday morning, Cannon responded to the new development and accusations that he was promoting hateful speech towards Jewish people and spreading anti-semitic conspiracy theories.
“I am deeply saddened in a moment so close to reconciliation that the powers that be, misused an important moment for us to all grow closer together and learn more about one another,” Cannon posted. “Instead the moment was stolen and highjacked to make an example of an outspoken black man.”
The decision to drop Cannon from his longstanding 20-year partnership with ViacomCBS came from the top. Shari Redstone, the daughter of National Amusements Owner Sumner Redstone, made the move after Cannon allegedly refused to apologize for his comments. Cannon claims he tried to get in touch with Redstone to apologize, but a rep of the executive denies that.
To date, Cannon has made a public apology.
“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 did rebuke ViacomCBS for poor leadership and divisive decision-making.
“I realized they don’t want a conversation or growth, they wanted to put the young negro in his place,” Cannon posted. “They wanted to show me who is boss, hang me out to dry and make an example of anyone who says something they don’t agree with — I honestly can’t believe that Viacom has such poor council that would allow them to make such a divisive decision in the midst of protests and civil uprising within our current pandemic. Truly an unwise decision.”
He continued, “As for Viacom, who is now on the wrong side of history, I will continue to pray for. I don’t blame any individual, I blame the oppressive and racist infrastructure. Systemic racism is what this world was built on and was the subject in which I was attempting to highlight in the recent clips that have been circulating from my podcast. If I have furthered the hate speech, I wholeheartedly apologize.”
Wild ’N Out was renewed for another three seasons, but it is unclear if the comedy competition show will continue to air on MTV.
Cannon has been outspoken about race relations before. When he was the host of America’s Got Talent in 2017, he was embroiled in controversy after during a Showtime comedy special in which he joked about the host network NBC being racist. He eventually would leave his post for not apologizing.
“I was to be punished for a joke — My soul won’t allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices,” Cannon said at the time of the incident. “Not to get too detailed but this isn’t the first time executives have attempted to ‘put me in my place’ for so-called unruly actions. I will not stand for it. My moral principles will easily walk away from the millions of dollars they hang over my head.”
It appears Cannon is facing a fork in the road where he has to decide if he’s going to continue to depend on work from others and risk being a censored puppet for the check and fame or if he’s going to create his own conglomerate so that he can question and say whatever he wants without fear of intimidation or termination.
One thing is for sure, we missed out on an informative conversation between the Jewish and black communities to understand why what Cannon said is an issue and perpetuates the very bigotry that both parties want to end.
These offenses toward the Jewish community are bound to happen again due to the fact that it’s becoming forbidden to even mention or pose questions about Jewish people. The conversation is needed.
ViacomCBS could have possibly made a huge misstep. The media conglomerate could’ve used what transpired as a teachable moment and even created a TV program or special featuring Cannon to inform the public about anti-Semitism. He could’ve had people representative and respected by the community come on board to share the history and current state of anti-Semitism enlightening a whole new generation that may not truly understand the offensiveness of certain ideologies.
But, instead, ViacomCBS made a hasty move based on their bottomline and their antsy stockholders. What used to be a $40 – $50 stock nearly two years ago now trails in the measly $20 range as the company that’s known to perpetuate stereotypes through its programming with programs such as, Love And Hip Hop and Teen Mom, continues to make ill-informed and tone-deaf decisions regarding people of color in front of the camera and throughout their corporate structure.
The company went from being at the forefront of supporting the George Floyd incited movements to firing one of only a handful of black creatives over words that hurt somebody (although we have yet to hear from that somebody directly), but could’ve been utilized to teach and provoke change.
There’s a reason why leaders like Jack Welch and Mark Cuban stand in the ranks of greatness. Their leadership is transformational and progressive. Not scary and hasty.
