ViacomCBS is ending its decades-long relationship with Nick Cannon after the actor and television presenter propagated anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on his podcast.
“While we support education and ongoing dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply concerned that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are ending our relationship with him,” the media conglomerate said in a statement. “We are committed to improving our response to incidents of anti-Semitism, racism and intolerance. ViacomCBS will have more announcements about our efforts to combat hate of all kinds. “
In a June 30 episode of his “Cannon’s Class” podcast, Cannon interviewed Professor Griff, a rapper who had been part of the NWA group until he was fired in 1989 for saying that “Jews are responsible for most of the evil in the world”. . “
In the interview, Cannon praised Griff and the anti-Semitic leader of the Nation of Islam Louis Farrakhan, and promoted conspiracy theories about the Rothschild banking family and claims that people of African descent are “true” Jews. “You cannot be anti-Semitic when we are Semitic people,” she said.
After a video of the interview began to draw criticism, Cannon posted defensive tweets, stating that “I had no hatred in my heart or malicious intent,” but he did not apologize for offending the Jews.
According to a 2017 Forbes article, Cannon has had a business relationship with Viacom since he was a child actor on Nickelodeon in the late 1990s. “Wild ‘n Out,” a sketch and improv comedy show created and presented on Cannon, it has been broadcast on Viacom MTV and VH1 channels since 2005, with the most recent season airing earlier this year.
Cannon is also the host of Fox’s “The Masked Singer.” Fox has so far not made a statement about Cannon’s recent comments.
Aiden Pink is Forward’s Associate News Editor. Contact her at pink@<2MASCULINE>.com or follow her on Twitter @aidenpink
