Nick Cannon made his first appearance on a Jewish program Monday afternoon (Aug. 10) to unpack his personal atonement following his anti-Semitic comments. He also discussed better understanding of where the Jewish and Black communities can come together, especially regarding his personal intersection.
ViacomCBS severed ties with Cannon following a June 30-dated episode of the Cannon's Class podcast where he made anti-Semitic comments and conspiracy theories during his interview with Richard Griffin, aka Professor Griff, who was pushed out of the prominent rap group Public Enemy in the late 1980s after making anti-Semitic comments in interviews. The podcast and TV show host later issued a public apology on Twitter on July 15 regarding "the hurtful and divisive words" he said during the segment with Griffin.
Cannon joined Rabbi Noam Marans, the American Jewish Committee's (AJC) Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations, for an hour-long Zoom call this afternoon to discuss how he's continuing to do the work to address anti-Semitism.
Cannon explained how he's been expanding his initial apology into atonement by his education and actions, which include reading books like Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History; attending a Shabbat dinner; and potentially building Black and Jewish community centers in disenfranchised communities with American-Israeli pro basketball player Amar'e Stoudemire. "Apology is a step, but atonement is a process," Cannon told Rabbi Marans.
"If my goal truly is to break down the walls and barriers amongst communities and bring us closer together, it truly is time to get rid of all of the things that divide us and utilize this moment. I'll be that sacrificial lamb if I have to be that person that stands firm...." the 39-year-old star said. "A lot of people may have been upset that I apologized, but I feel like that's what someone of true character is actually supposed to do when they hurt someone. And now, let's get through this process of truth and reconciliation."
Source: Billboard
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