Nick Cannon, Wild 'N Out creator and host, said he saw an opportunity for a “teachable moment” as he criticized media outlets for promoting a video by former Disney star Orlando Brown.
Early Wednesday, the That’s So Raven actor alleged Cannon once performed oral sex on him while dressed as a woman. Many outlets began reposting and reporting the claims. That afternoon, following the rapid uptick in views on the video, Cannon posted a response to Instagram addressing his views on what he calls a “demonic business” that often leaves young talents to fend for themselves after “making billions” off of them.
Cannon, who also starred in Drumline, began his post by saying that he initially thought the video was “f**king hilarious” but says he figured he could put better use to the moment after “putting a little cognitive effort and analytical thought to the situation.”
"First off let me say I am praying for the young brother Orlando even though I don’t really know him personally," Cannon wrote Wednesday afternoon. "I have always loved and enjoyed his talent and have been a fan of his past work."
Cannon continued his response by highlighting a few of Brown's acclaimed projects including Major Payne, where 8-year-old Brown plays an orphan at a military school alongside a hilariously over-disciplined Damon Wayans, and Disney’s popular tv show That’s So Raven. Cannon then pivots to discussing how successful entertainers are “left to fend for themselves."
"We need better support systems for our youth and take care of our own. I watched various of this young brothers videos and all I see is a cry out for help," Cannon wrote. "So I don’t know if there are any real leaders or solid individuals in this young man’s life but let’s embrace him and tighten him up so he doesn’t become another lost victim to these Hollywood circumstances.
"I indeed believe this brother has the God given talent to be on Wild N' Out but this definitely ain’t the way to audition, this actually hurts my heart to see that we have allowed Orlando, along with various other young gifted performers we grew up loving, to just dwindle away after these corporations made their billions off of them," he continued.
The entertainer goes on to say he sees “culturally conscious” media outlets as “the most irresponsible” and highlights how these stories are “click bait to make these white supremacy propagated platforms more money.”
He says such practices are “asinine and deplorable” and tagged media giants iHeartRadio, Complex and WorldStar specifically.
The comment section was star-studded and full of praise for Cannon’s poised response, but of course, Marlon Wayans had to go there.
“That’s a long way to say ‘man I ain't suck nobody's d**k’! … could’ve said a simple ‘F**k outta here’!” Wayans said.
He followed up with, “Good words nick. I’m just being a troll.”
Saturday Night Live host Kenan Thompson responded with “Preach!!” and Russell Simmons commented “Hurt people hurt people” while telling Cannon this was the “proper response."
Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God commented, “Whoever posted this from @iheartradio must not know the young brother Orlando isn’t mentally healthy because their is no reason to be entertaining this non story but hey don’t listen to me, my Christmas tree still up.”
Omena Alexandria, who has a son with Brown, also made a public statement shaming those who only respond to Brown when he acts out instead of supporting his “sane” projects. She says that Brown has been “putting out projects for the last 3 years” and that “a follow doesn’t translate into dollars.”
"You don’t encourage him doing right and staying stable and focused otherwise you’d Buy the music. Not just repost a video clip or leave a comment. A follow doesn’t translate into dollars.. BUT You DO respond to f**kery," she wrote in part. "Help us continue to encourage his personal healing and growth by discouraging the BS and uplifting his current efforts!"
