Nick Cannon’s Backlash To Past Anti-Semitic Remarks: ‘Growth Moment’

Nick Cannon is reflecting on his mistakes and moving towards educating others. The Masked Singer host addressed anti-Semitic comments he made in 2020 on his YouTube channel and how that opened up conversations of understanding.

At the time, the actor was criticized after making controversial comments about the Jewish community in his Cannon's Class series. In one episode, he discussed anti-Semitic conspiracy theories with former Public Enemy member Richard "Professor Griff" Griffin. (Griffin was previously ousted from the group after making anti-Semitic remarks in a 1989 Washington Post interview.)

As we previously reported, Cannon initially addressed his comments in a very lengthy Facebook post. The Wild 'n Out creator apologized to his "Jewish Brothers and Sisters for putting them in such a painful position. He added, "[That] was never my intention. I know this whole situation has hurt many people and together we will make it right."

"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." Cannon added that he was holding himself "accountable." He noted that he took "full responsibility" for his words. "My intentions are only to show that as a beautiful human species we have way more commonalities than differences, So let's embrace those as well as each other. We All Family," he added.

The actor's comments ultimately led to being fired from ViacomCBS. It also led to the initial cancellation of his popular Wild 'n Out series. However, the partnership eventually resumed in early 2021, with MTV Entertainment Group saying Cannon had "taken responsibility for his comments" and "worked to educate himself" by having discussions with Jewish leaders. He also kept his The Masked Singer hosting gig at Fox.

Now, two years and nearly ten kids later, Cannon, 42, said "that process was a growth moment for me on so many levels as a man." He talked about his new podcast, Solutions: 2 Hate or Not 2 Hate, in which he is joined by the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt. Starting in January of 2023, the podcast's "goal is to gain a better understanding of one another through tough conversations tackling historic prejudices that hinder our growth as people functioning in a unified society."

He said of his co-host that it's all about "talking about the equation of our two communities from two different perspectives... We voice our side, or the perspective as a Black man, and then he voices his side from a Jewish man." Cannon continued, "Even that alone is helpful and educational for both communities right and again too because that's the thing we can sit up here and be enraged but if we don't engage, what are we really doing if we can't learn from one another?"

Going forward, Cannon said he is "no longer about just talk" as he aims to continue putting his "money where my mouth is and my energy to where my heart is." He believes this approach will benefit others with a platform so they can have an "understanding of what it is" so they don't "stumble," "fumble," and "lose opportunities or get so-called canceled."

Watch the interview below:

Nick Cannon has expanded his family yet again. Now, we knew he was expecting his ninth and tenth children with Abby De La Rosa and Brittany Bell, respectively. Apparently, he also had one on the way with model Lanisha Cole. It was speculated that Lanisha was pregnant with Nick's child but the news was never confirmed by either parent.

Nick announced the news on his IG with the comment: "Introducing ONYX ICE COLE CANNON. Once again Today I am in Awe of the Devine Feminine! God has given me and @MissLanishaCole the privilege of hosting an Angel here on earth. I vow to protect, provide, guide and love this child to the best of my abilities. I promise to love this little girl with all my heart, regardless what anyone says…I’ve given up on attempting to define myself for the world or society but instead I’m doing the work to heal and grow into the infinite Being God ordained me to be. Hopefully I can teach Onyx the same, to not let others shame or ridicule her with their outside opinions, because when they do they are only projecting their own harsh experiences, pain and social programming onto her unblemished beauty." Nick even went on to defend Lanisha, saying "[Lanisha] is one of the most guileless, peaceful and nonconfrontational kind souls I’ve ever witnessed, and only deserves to revel in this moment of blissful joy of motherhood. Please give her that. She is so loving and pure hearted."

Onyx Ice Cole Cannon is now Nick's ninth child. As mentioned, he is still expecting two more children (that we know of). Are you having a hard time keeping up with all of his kids, and who he had them with? No problem: we're here to help. Check out our timeline below.

Nick and then-wife Mariah Carey welcomed twins, son Moroccan Scott and daughter Monroe, on April 30, 2011, in Los Angeles.

Nick welcomed Golden Sagon with Brittany Bell on Feb. 21, 2017.

Golden's little sister  Powerful Queen was born at home via natural water birth on Dec. 23, 2020.

On June 14, 2021, model and DJ De La Rosa welcomed twin boys Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir Cannon to the world.

Just nine days after the arrival of twins Zion and Zillion, Cannon welcomed another son, Zen, on June 23, 2021, with model Alyssa Scott. Zen unfortunately was diagnosed with high-grade glioma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.  He died at five months old in December of 2021.

Nick and Bre Tiesi welcomed baby Legendary in July 2022.

Nick welcomed his 9th baby into the world with model Lanisha Cole. He confirmed the news with an IG post yesterday.

Nick's 10th child is soon to be born, his third with Brittany Bell.

Nick's 10th child is soon to be born, his third with Brittany Bell.