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Nick Cannon rehired after apologizing for anti-Semitism, Internet still calls him a 'Black privilege racist'

On Friday, in a statement, MTV Entertainment Group said Cannon has 'taken responsibility for his comments' and 'worked to educate himself' through conversations with Jewish leaders

After nearly seven months of being fired by ViacomCBS for making controversial anti-Semitic remarks, the 'Wild ‘n Out' star Nick Cannon has gotten his job back as the host. Following an apology and promises of betterment, Cannon has bagged his job at the network back, but that doesn't mean that the Internet has forgiven him as Cannon still was referred to as a ''Black privilege racist." 

On Friday, in a statement, MTV Entertainment Group said Cannon has "taken responsibility for his comments" and "worked to educate himself" through conversations with Jewish leaders. "Nick has not only apologized and taken responsibility for his comments, but he has also worked to educate himself and others through engagement with Jewish leaders and on his platforms," said a spokesperson for ViacomCBS' MTV Entertainment Group. "Those efforts are of the utmost importance and that’s why we have invited him to rejoin our team. On a separate note, we just learned that he tested positive for COVID and have reached out to wish him a speedy recovery."

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The actor said in a statement on Thursday, February 4, 2021, "I want to assure my Jewish friends, new and old, that this is only the beginning of my education. I am committed to deeper connections, more profound learning and strengthening the bond between our two cultures today and every day going forward."

Last year, during an episode on his 'Cannon’s Class' podcast with former Public Enemy member Professor Griff aka Richard Griffin, Cannon came under fire for a controversial discussion. During the discussion, he promoted anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and praised Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. At one point during the conversation, Cannon said Black people are "the true Hebrews." YouTube had taken down the discussion for violating the platform's "policy on hate speech." The Southern Poverty Law Center recognizes Nation of Islam as a "hate group." It is noteworthy that Griffin was also fired for making anti-Semitic remarks in 1989. 

Following the episode, ViacomCBS fired Cannon and immediately condemned his remarks, saying it "denounces all forms of anti-Semitism." "While we support ongoing education and dialogue in the fight against bigotry, we are deeply troubled that Nick has failed to acknowledge or apologize for perpetuating anti-Semitism, and we are terminating our relationship with him," the network's statement added at the time. Cannon's association with ViacomCBS goes a long way back to 1998, including his work on Nickelodeon's 'All That' and 'The Nick Cannon Show'. 'Wild ‘N Out' has aired on Viacom's MTV and VH1 since 2005.

After initially refusing to apologize and demanding ownership of 'Wild 'N Out', Cannon apologized on Twitter for "the hurtful and divisive words that came out of my mouth." He also announced time away from his radio program and his upcoming talk show was pushed back.

But it looks like no amount of apology can redeem him in front of the American audience as many still don't seem to have forgotten Cannon's words. "If you want to know who has power in your society, look at who you're not allowed to criticize. 'Cause it sure as hell isn't white people. White people are fair game. @NickCannon called whites soulless savages and he just got his job back, for f**ks sake," an angry user tweeted. "Nick Cannon can say white people are subhuman and get his job back because he's part of the protected class. You say one edgy thing ONLINE and get fired, get your life ruined etc. White people are second class citizens in their own country. Just disgraceful," another lamented.

Many users pointed out that Cannon is privileged to get his job back as the host of a hit show regardless of his actions. "Nick Cannon called jews and whites inferior to blacks and that jews are "responsible for all the wickedness in the world"...he lost his job temporarily, and just got it back...sounds privileged to me..." one tweeted. "@NickCannon #blackprivilege only in America can you show your ignorance and spout racist attacks against white people and still have a job. What a damn joke, lil Nicky is a no talent clown," another tweeted. "Looks like there is such a thing as #blackprivilege after all. Saying antisemitic remarks and still get to keep your job?" one said.

Several others compared it to the latest incident of Morgan Wallen using the n-word in a leaked video - he publicly apologized for using the racial slur - in an attempt to point out the disparity. "So tell me how @MorganWallen can say a racist word and everyone drops him and his career is ruined because of a mistake. But Nick cannon says racist remarks against white people and keeps his job and his career continues on... tell me how one is ok and one is not??!! Pathetic!!" "So Nick Cannon can be forgiven for being an antisemite but Morgan Wallen can’t for saying the n-word? Got it," another added.

"Nick Cannon gets his jobs back after his racist rant, but everyone comes for Morgan Wallen. Either both get cancelled or neither. But in today’s world, only works one way, white guy gets cancelled, black guy, after a little backlash, gets rewarded," the debate went on.