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Tim BontempsESPN
Dwyane Wade deleted a tweet in support of TV host Nick Cannon in the wake of the entertainer being fired for making anti-Semitic remarks on a podcast.
After initially tweeting at Cannon, “We are with you,” followed by a black fist and “Keep leading!”, Wade later deleted it and issued a second tweet to explain himself.
“I want to clarify my now deleted tweet. I was not supporting or condoning what Nick Cannon specifically said, but I had expressed my support of him owning the content and brand he helped create,” Wade wrote, followed by a prayer emoji.
A short time later, he tweeted again.
I was too quick to respond without being fully informed about his hurtful anti-Semitic remarks. As you all know I have ZERO tolerance for any hate speech!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 15, 2020
Cannon was fired Wednesday after a recent episode of his podcast, “Cannon’s Class,” in which he praised Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and discussed anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
The company put out a statement to announce the firing, in which it denounced the episode’s “hateful speech.”
“ViacomCBS condemns bigotry of any kind and we categorically denounce all forms of anti-Semitism,” the statement said.
Cannon released his own statement on his Facebook page, as well, in which he defended himself.
“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,” Cannon said. “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.”
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson was recently fined for conduct detrimental to the team after an anti-Semitic social media posts. Former NBA player Stephen Jackson later defended him and also openly discussed anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
