Nick Cannon is firing back at ViacomCBS in a billion-dollar lawsuit.
The multi-hyphenate reportedly intends to file suit against the media conglomerate after he was terminated last month for making anti-Semitic remarks.
According to The Shade Room, Cannon plans to sue ViacomCBS for $1.5 billion, claiming ownership of the “billion-dollar brand” he created with his popular MTV and VH1 series “Wild ‘N Out.”
“It is just that simple, ‘Wild’N Out’ belongs to Nick!” his team said in a statement. “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.”
Cannon plans to use proceeds from the suit to invest in education in underserved communities, create psychological programs and youth organizations, and develop inner-city communities.
“If Viacom believes in growth, equality, education, then Viacom will do what is right and pay Nick what they owe, and giving him his $1.5 brand,” added his team.
ViacomCBS severed ties with Cannon following comments he made on his “Cannon’s Class” podcast where he discussed conspiracy theories about Jewish people and praised Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan for anti-Jewish comments.
In an open letter posted to Facebook, Cannon slammed the media giant, claiming it “swindled” “Wild ‘N Out” away from him.
“I created a billion-dollar brand that expanded across a multitiered empire that is still Viacom’s biggest digital brand, touring business, talent discovery and incubation system and successful restaurant franchise. Based on trust and empty promises, my ownership was swindled away from me,” he wrote. “For Viacom to be so deceptive is no surprise; 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 also apologized for his anti-Semitic comments. “I must apologize to my Jewish Brothers and Sisters for putting them in such a painful position, which was never my intention, but I know this whole situation has hurt many people and together we will make it right,” said Cannon, who has been educating himself on Judaism and announced plans to unify the Jewish and African-American communities.