Nick Cannon has apologized for naive comments he made on a podcast that were deemed “anti-Semitic” and resulted in him being dropped by ViacomCBS. On the podcast, which was released June 30, Cannon and Griffin, the former Public Enemy member, contend that Jews have stolen Black people’s identity as true Hebrews. Cannon also implies that those with light skin are inferior.
“I feel ashamed,” Cannon wrote in a series of social media posts on Wednesday.
“I extend my deepest and most sincere apologies to my Jewish sisters and brothers for the hurtful and divisive words that came out of my mouth during my interview with Richard Griffin,” Cannon wrote.
“They reinforced the worst stereotypes of a proud and magnificent people and I feel ashamed of the uninformed and naïve place that these words came from,” he continued. “The video of this interview has since been removed.”
Cannon pushed back against ViacomCBS’ statement, claiming he received silence from company chair Shari Redstone after attempting to reach out. He also called for “full ownership” of “Wild ‘n Out,” which he created and hosted. “Wild ‘n Out” airs on VH1, a ViacomCBS-owned cable channel.
ViacomCBS has yet to issue a response to Cannon’s apology.
“On my podcast I used words and referenced literature I assumed to be factual to uplift my community, but instead turned out to be hateful propaganda and stereotypical rhetoric that pained another community,” Cannon said in his apology. “For this I am deeply sorry, but now together we can write a new chapter of healing.” 
ViacomCBS is the parent company of CBS News Source: CBS
