Nick Cannon’s "soul won’t allow" him to continue hosting ‘America’s Got Talent’.
The 36-year-old television personality has decided to quit the show after finding out executives had "threatened him with termination" for a joke he made on a comedy special, which they claimed could have damaged their brand.
In a lengthy post on Facebook, he wrote: "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.
"This has weighed heavy on my spirit. 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. In my defense, I would ask how so? …
"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."
And the 36-year-old star – who has five-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with his ex-wife Mariah Carey – went on to praise the "talented and brave" contestants he has had a chance to meet throughout his eight-year stint on the show.
He added: "I have loved hosting AMERICAS GOT TALENT for the last 8 seasons, watching talented, brave, and courageous Americans accomplish their dreams in front of millions has been nothing but a joy, and everyone has been a pleasure to work with 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 …
"My moral principles will easily walk away from the millions of dollars they hang over my head. It’s never been about the money for me, what is difficult to walk away from is the fans, the people who love me on the show. This hurts tremendously. I felt like I was apart of the fabric of our great nation every summer, representing every culture, age, gender, and demographic. (sic)"
Nick Cannon quits America’s Got Talent
