Nick Cannon has posted on his Facebook page that he "can not see myself returning" to "America's Got Talent" in the wake of a controversy over a comment Cannon made while filming his recent Showtime comedy special, "Stand Up, Don't Shoot."

"I write this from a deeply saddened and dolorous mindset," Cannon posted on Facebook. "After days of deliberating over some extremely disappointing news that I was being threatened with termination by Executives because of a comedy special that was only intended to bring communities closer together, I was to be punished for a joke."

This apparently has to do with a situation that TMZ reported on, in a Feb. 10 post. According to that item, Cannon had annoyed some NBC executives by joking on the special that the network was "making him lose his 'black card' -- strongly insinuating the network wanted him to show less swagger on 'AGT.'"

That item reported that NBC had decided not to fire Cannon who, it was suggested, had been in breach of his contractual agreement not to disparage the network.

The New York Daily News reported on Feb. 10 that Cannon was asked about the comment during an appearance on "The Howard Stern Show."

From the Daily News report:

Stern asked the comedian if he was worried if the material in the special that he wrote would bother NBC.

"If they fire me... then I can sue them then I can create a whole controversy, NBC hates black people," he joked.

In his Facebook post, Cannon writes that his principles won't allow him to stay with NBC's "America's Got Talent," a consistent summertime hit for NBC. He questions whether that is really about being in breach of his contract not to "disparage" the NBC brand:

"Or is this just another way to silence and control an outspoken voice who often battles the establishment. Recently many of my mentors have cautioned me that soon 'The System' would come down on me because I was speaking too many truths and being to loud about it. I had no idea that it all would hit so close to home. I find myself in a dark place having to make a decision that I wish I didn't have to, but as a man, an artist, and a voice for my community I will not be silenced, controlled or treated like a piece of property. There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity. I have loved hosting AMERICAS GOT TALENT for the last 8 seasons, watching talented, brave, and courageous Americans accomplish their dreams in front of millions has been nothing but a joy, and everyone has been a pleasure to work with but my soul won't allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices. Not to get too detailed but this isn't the first time executives have attempted to 'put me in my place' for so called unruly actions. I will not stand for it. My moral principles will easily walk away from the millions of dollars they hang over my head. It's never been about the money for me, what is difficult to walk away from is the fans, the people who love me on the show. This hurts tremendously.

Cannon continues, saying he wishes "America's Got Talent" the best, but is troubled by the larger entertainment industry and its lack of diversity:

"So I wish AGT and NBC the best in its upcoming season but I can not see myself returning. As of lately I have even questioned if I want to even be apart of an industry who ultimately treats artists in this manner. Most of us don't realize that there are 6 major corporations that control 90 percent of media in America and the amount of minority executives is dismal. With this being the case, true equality in our industry is impossible. There will always be a 'do as I say' mentality that mirrors society's perception of women and minorities, and only a few will stand up against it. I proudly stand as one of those few, and will gladly take on whatever repercussions that come with it. I love art and entertainment too much to watch it be ruined by controlling corporations and big business. I believe It's our duty as artists to make a difference and create change even if it's one act at a time. Dr. King said it best, 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.'"

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com
503-221-8227
@Kristiturnquist

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