Nick Cannon Quits ‘America’s Got Talent’ Following Racial Joke

Nick Cannon announces on his Facebook page that he is quitting his role on America’s Got Talent.

NICK CANNON QUITS AMERICA’S GOT TALENT

The actor alleges that he was “threatened with termination by executives” after he made a racially charged joke on his recent NBC stand-up special. The joke contained a racial slur about NBC, the network that airs AGT. “I honestly believe, once I started doing America’s Got Talent, they took my real N—– card. They did! Because then like these type of people started showing up to my shows,” said Cannon during his special, pointing out white audience members. “I can’t do the real N—– stuff no more, because then they’ll put me on TMZ.” Another part of the joke saw him claim that NBC stood for “N—– Better Come on.”

On his Facebook page, the comedian speaks about how wrong it is to punish a comic for his jokes. “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. 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,” the post read. “I will not stand for it. My moral principles will easily walk away from the millions of dollars they hang over my head.”

Prior to the special, Cannon spoke with Howard Stern and said he felt the network would be ok with his routine. “If they fire me from AGT for the things I’ve said… I can sue them and create a whole new controversy,” he joked. “‘NBC hates black people!'”

Come Monday, Cannon had decided to leave the show of his own accord. “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 said in his post. “In my defense, I would ask how so? Or is this just another way to silence and control an outspoken voice who often battles the establishment. 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.”

Cannon went on to explain that “there are 6 major corporations that control 90 percent of media in America and the amount of minority executives is dismal. With this being the case,” he continued, “true equality in our industry is impossible. There will always be a “do as I say” mentality that mirrors society’s perception of women and minorities, and only a few will stand up against it. I proudly stand as one of those few, and will gladly take on whatever repercussions that come with it…

“So I wish AGT and NBC the best in its upcoming season but I can not see myself returning. As of lately I have even questioned if I want to even be apart of an industry who ultimately treats artists in this manner.”