Nick Cannon has been the face of Wild ‘N Out since 2005 but was fired by ViacomCBS last month after comments he made during an interview with Professor Griff were deemed anti-Semitic. But according to The Shade Room, he plans to take legal action and sue the company for $1.5 billion, the estimated worth of the long-running show.
“It is just that simple, ‘Wild’N Out belongs to Nick, ” his team reportedly told TSR. “The show was created by Nick Cannon with his idea and original thought. Wild’N Out has brought billions of dollars in revenue to Viacom since 2015. And Nick deserves and has earned everything it is worth.
“From the platforms he provides for other entertainers, the jobs he creates for Black youth, the time he gives to mentoring incarcerated men and women, to the money he gives back and puts into communities, homelessness, and people less fortunate. He is constantly evolving both spiritually and mentally, as well as, taking action in learning, education and bridging the gap within the Jewish and African American communities, so that it will allow us to build relationships, work together and learn from each other in order to move forward in equality.”
If Cannon wins the lawsuit, he reportedly plans to use the money to “invest in better education in underserved communities, as well as creating psychological programs, youth organizations and developing inner city communities.”
After ViacomCBS severed its relationship with the multifaceted artist, Cannon issued a lengthy Facebook post expressing his disappointment in the company’s decision. He simultaneously demanded ownership of Wild ‘N Out along with an apology.
“I am deeply saddened in a moment so close to reconciliation that the powers that be, misused an important moment for us to all grow closer together and learn more about one another,” he wrote early Wednesday morning (July 15). “Instead the moment was stolen and highjacked to make an example of an outspoken black man.
“I will not be bullied, silenced, or continuously oppressed by any organization, group, or corporation. I am disappointed that Viacom does not understand or respect the power of the black community.”
Cannon also pointed out he’d been a member of the Viacom “family” for over 20 years and helped make Wild ‘N Out a “billion dollar brand.”
“For Viacom to be so deceptive is no surprise,” he added. “They have been mistreating and robbing our community for years, underpaying talent on their biggest brands like Love & Hip Hop, all of BET programming and of course, Wild ‘N Out.”
He concluded, “I demand full ownership of my billion dollar ‘Wild ‘N Out’ brand that I created, and they will continue to misuse and destroy without my leadership! I demand that the hate and back door bullying cease and while we are at it, now that the truth is out, I demand the Apology!”