Long time America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon is leaving the show after 12 seasons. The actor claimed that he was threatened by NBC executives that they will terminate him for a racial joke he made during his comedy special.
As reported in USA Today, Cannon made the announcement in his Facebook page saying that he was "deeply saddened" about the threat of termination by executives after he made a racial joke during his Showtime stand up special. His inflammatory joke was aired in his Showtime special, "Stand Up, Don't Shoot," which premiered last Friday.
"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. I will not be silenced, controlled, or treated like a piece of property." Cannon said.
According to the website of Billboard, Nick Cannon praised the show and NBC claiming that it was the best job he had and hopes to do it forever. Now it seems that he is changing his tune. Production for the 12th season would begin next month. Cannon has been hosting the show since 2009 and it would have been his 8th season as host. Meanwhile, the rest of the team-Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel are set to return for the new season.
In an article published in Fox News, Cannon wished the show and the network well. "I wish AGT and NBC the best in its upcoming season but I cannot see myself returning." Cannon said. He said that he will simply walk away from the millions of dollars being offered to him by the network.
NBC did not immediately make a comment on Nick Cannon's statements.
