Nick Cannon EXITS 'America's Got Talent'

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon says he's done with America's Got Talent. The comedian announced his exit on Facebook page yesterday, saying he was "deeply saddened" about being "threatened with termination by executives" after he made a racial joke about NBC on his recent Showtime stand-up special.

According to Cannon, the executives thought he was in breach of contract because the comedy special portrayed their brand in a negative light. But he sees things differently. “Or is this just another way to silence and control an outspoken voice who often battles the establishment,” he wrote. “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 too loud about it.”

As much as he’s enjoyed hosting the show for the past eight seasons, Cannon said he felt it was important to stand up for what he believed. “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,” he explained. “I will not stand for it.” He wished the show best but said he would not be returning.

Cannon made his debut as host in Season 4 of America’s Got Talent, which was renewed for a 12th season in August.