'I will not be silenced, controlled or treated like a piece of property. There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity,' the comedian writes on Facebook after the fallout with NBC.
- February 14, 2017
AceShowbiz -
Nick Cannon's problem with NBC is apparently serious. While it was previously reported that the network decided to keep the "America's Got Talent" host despite his "disparaging" comment about the network, the fact that NBC almost punished him over his racial joke has drawn the ire of the comedian/rapper.
The 36-year-old posted a lengthy statement on Facebook on Monday, February 13, claiming that he wouldn't be returning for season 12 of the talent show. "I write this from a deeply saddened and dolorous mindset. After days of deliberating over some extremely disappointing news that I was being threatened with termination by Executives because of a comedy special that was only intended to bring communities closer together, I was to be punished for a joke," he wrote.
"It was brought to my attention by my 'team' that NBC believed that I was in breach of contract because I had disparaged their brand," he added. "I find myself in a dark place having to make a decision that I wish I didn't have to, but as a man, an artist, and a voice for my community I will not be silenced, controlled or treated like a piece of property. There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity."
While he said he "loved hosting AMERICAS GOT TALENT for the last 8 seasons," Cannon stated, "... but 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." He stressed, "So I wish 'AGT' and NBC the best in its upcoming season but I can not see myself returning."
In his Showtime special which aired on Friday, February 10, Cannon made several jokes about NBC. He said, "That's what NBC is gonna stand for tonight: 'N****rs better come on, cuz n****rs be cussin', so n****rs be careful.' Cuz y'all see me on the show. I mean sometimes I wish I could say the stuff that I want to say. ... But I can't say that. I can't talk like that cuz that would mess up the white money. It will."
When asked by Howard Stern last week if he was worried if the material in the special would bother NBC, Cannon jokingly responded, "If they fire me... then I can sue them then I can create a whole controversy, NBC hates black people." He, however, still called it "the best job that I have," adding, "hopefully I can do it forever."
But Cannon apparently changed his tune as of Monday.
NBC has not responded to Cannon's announcement about his departure.
