News | Entertainment
1 Feb 2026 9:04
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Nick Cannon has claimed his great-grandfather was a Spanish rabbi

    The 39-year-old star - who was fired by ViacomCBS last month after making anti-Semitic comments on his 'Cannon Class' podcast - has claimed that he only found out about his roots after the recent controversy


    Speaking to Rabbi Noam Marans on American Jewish Committee's 'AJC Advocacy Anywhere' show, he said: "My mother has been calling me every single day since this happened with so much family history. My great-grandfather was a Spanish rabbi. He's a Sephardic Jewish man.

    "So, as much heat as I've been catching from the public and the outside, this hit home for my family in a real way because I come from a Black and Jewish family on my mother's side."

    Nick later issued an apology and insisted he never meant to spread "hate and propaganda" against Jewish people.

    And during his appearance on 'AJC Advocacy Anywhere', he insisted he wanted to move ahead with "truth and reconciliation".

    Nick said: "A lot of people may have been upset that I apologised, but I feel like that's what someone of true character is actually supposed to do when they hurt someone.

    "Now, let's get through this process of truth and reconciliation."

    Last month, in a lengthy apology on social media, Nick said: "First and foremost I extend my deepest and most sincere apologies to my Jewish sisters and brothers for the hurtful and divisive words that came out of my mouth.

    "They reinforced the worst stereotypes of a proud and magnificent people and I feel ashamed of the uninformed and naive place that these words came from.

    "I am committed to deeper connections, more profound learning and strengthening the bond between our two cultures today and every day going forward."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     01 Feb: Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt are already thinking about having another child
     01 Feb: Kanye West sought treatment at a rehab clinic in Switzerland last year
     01 Feb: Catherine, Princess of Wales thinks music is a "fantastic" way for people to express themselves
     01 Feb: Mario has become a father for the first time
     01 Feb: Dita Von Teese says one of the highlights of her career was meeting Hollywood legend Dame Elizabeth Taylor and she treasures the photo she has of them together
     01 Feb: Brandi Glanville has debuted a striking new look after more than a year of struggling with severe facial disfigurement
     01 Feb: Taylor Russell called herself Rihanna's "little mini-me" in a playful response after she was mistaken for the singer
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    The New Zealand men's and women's sevens rugby teams are both through to the semi-finals at the Singapore Sevens More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Former PM Kevin Rudd says he declined Epstein invitation after latest document dump More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt are already thinking about having another child 9:01

    Entertainment:
    Kanye West sought treatment at a rehab clinic in Switzerland last year 8:31

    International:
    Who is Stephen Miller? Donald Trump's powerful right hand and immigration policy architect 8:17

    Soccer:
    Arsenal has strengthened its hold on top spot in the English Premier League...after a 4-nil pasting of Leeds 8:17

    Soccer:
    Auckland FC have let a one-goal lead slip to lose 2-1 to the Glory in their A-League encounter in Perth 8:07

    Living & Travel:
    Funny, tender, goofy – Catherine O'Hara lit up the screen every time she showed up 8:07

    Entertainment:
    Catherine, Princess of Wales thinks music is a "fantastic" way for people to express themselves 8:01

    Cricket:
    India has demolished New Zealand in the 5th T20 in Trivandrum after posting their third-highest ever T20 total 7:57

    Cricket:
    Captain Robbie O'Donnell is relieved the Northern Braves men's cricket team didn't fall at the final hurdle 7:57

    Golf:
    Kiwi golfer Daniel Hillier is in a tie for 10th - at ten under - after three rounds at the Bahrain Championship - six shots off the pace 7:47


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd