Nick Cannon 'Whiteface' Defended by...NICK CANNON! 'White Face...I Don't Even Know What That Is,' Said the 'America's Got Talent' Host
Nick Cannon has found himself yet again defending the "whiteface" sketch he did in an effort to promote his future rap album.
The scrutiny started when the "America's Got Talent" host posted Instagram pictures and videos of himself disguised in this white alter ego. Besides the pale skin, Cannon wore red hair and a beanie hat with a plaid shirt.
In an interview with "Good Morning America," Mariah Carey's hubby stressed that his character was no where close to blackface.
"They're using this term 'whiteface,' like I don't even know what that is," Cannon said. "I know 'blackface' was a term that was created in 1869 to describe offensive minstrel shows. 'Whiteface,' if you look it up and Google it, it's a ski slope in upstate New York. I was doing a character impression. Blackface is about oppression."
In addition, he repeated his initial response to the controversy saying, ""There's a big difference between humor and hatred."
Although he knew this white face character would raise eyebrows, Cannon was willing to do it in an effort to draw attention to the public's sensitivity on race.
"The mission was to have fun, and yes, put it out there that we have issues with race in this country and in this world, but it doesn't have to be with hatred," he added.
The former Nickelodeon personality also talked about his wife's recent birthday and continuous battle with lupus.
Cannon's "White People Party Music" album drops this Tuesday.
