Reports that Nick Cannon, who recently lost his spot as the host of ‘Wild ‘N Out’, wants to sue ViacomCBS for $1.5 billion, are not true his representatives have said.
“His reps say Nick is focusing on bringing people together and fighting bigotry, racism and hate,” TMZ writes. “They claim a huge payday is the last thing on his mind.”
Cannon was fired by ViacomCBS for anti-semitic sentiments expressed in a podcast. A talk show that was also supposed to premiere soon was also shelved.
During a podcast with Public Enemy’s Professor Griff, Cannon spoke out against what he said was Jewish people’s control of centralised banking.
He also espoused several conspiracy theories while reserving praise for Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan and claimed “every time I’ve heard him speak, it’s positive, it’s powerful, it’s uplifting.” Farrakhan has been chastised for his anti-semitic utterances in the past.
Initial reports had cited his representatives claiming a fight back by Cannon is on the cards.
“It is just that simple, ‘Wild’N Out’ belongs to Nick!” his team said in a statement to The Shade Room. “The show was created by Nick Cannon with his idea and original thought.
“‘Wild’N Out’ has brought billions of dollars in revenue to Viacom since 2015. And Nick deserves and has earned everything it is worth.”
The team also highlighted the benefits Cannon brings to the community.
“From the platforms he provides for other entertainers, the jobs he creates for Black youth, the time he gives to mentoring incarcerated men and women, to the money he gives back and puts into communities, homelessness, and people less fortunate.
“He is constantly evolving both spiritually and mentally, as well as, taking action in learning, education and bridging the gap within the Jewish and African-American communities, so that it will allow us to build relationships, work together and learn from each other in order to move forward in equality.”
In the wake of his firing, Cannon pointed out in a lengthy Facebook post that he felt disheartened by the way ‘Wild’N Out’ had been taken from him.
“I created a billion-dollar brand that expanded across a multitiered empire that is still Viacom’s biggest digital brand, touring business, talent discovery and incubation system and successful restaurant franchise. Based on trust and empty promises, my ownership was swindled away from me,” he wrote.
“For Viacom to be so deceptive is no surprise; they have been mistreating and robbing our community for years, underpaying talent on their biggest brands like Love & Hip Hop, all of BET programming and of course, Wild ‘N Out.” Daily Mast
