Nick Cannon Speaks On Being 'Villainized' As 'Deadbeat Dad'

Actor and comedian Nick Cannon has faced criticism for having 12 children with six different women and has been tagged a "deadbeat dad." "The Masked Singer" host argued that it's not about the quantity of time spent with his children, but the quality.

He also revealed that he maintains honest relationships with all his partners, has purchased homes for them and his children, and supports all their personal decisions, even if they don't align with his beliefs.

Keep on reading to learn more.

Nick Cannon, the newly announced host of "Beat Shazam" and father of 12 children with six different women, recently defended his parenting skills against accusations of being a "deadbeat dad." In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Cannon revealed that he has been "villainized" by those who suggest he cannot possibly be present for all of his children and has been given the "deadbeat dad title."

According to Cannon, being a good father is not about the quantity of time spent with his children but rather the quality of time. "It's not about what I do for you or say to you; it's about how you feel when I'm with you. If you feel loved when you see your dad, that's what will resonate," he said, per Page Six.

The "Wild 'n Out" host also explained that his large brood is a result of his people-pleasing tendency to please others, as many of his partners were in the "same age group" and felt pressure to have children before their biological clocks run out, especially during the pandemic. "And I just wanted to give them what they desired. I kept saying, 'I can handle it.'"

The successful entrepreneur, who reportedly earns $100 million annually, also explained that his partners knew his preference for non-traditional relationships before they decided to have children together. "[As a man] who's made his bones, you're not looking to give half of what you built to someone you don't even know," he explained, sharing that he preferred an honest relationship to be with "someone who's telling them they're the only one but still f*ck the neighbor."

Despite his non-traditional relationships, Cannon remains supportive of all his baby mamas and has allegedly purchased homes for each. He claims he would never deny them anything they ask for and supports their individual parenting decisions, even if they don't align with his beliefs.

"This mom may love Ms. Rachel [videos], and this mom may love 'Your Baby Can Read.' I know that every mother is making decisions based on love and what they believe is best for the child," he said.

During the interview, the "Masked Singer" host also spoke about his relationship with his ex-wife Mariah Carey, likening it to the dynamic between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Cannon explained that he and Carey have always maintained a good relationship despite the challenges during their eight-year marriage.

He said, "It wasn't even about her and me — we've always been good. It was more about understanding that we should do what's best for the children instead of making it about our relationship and what you or I want."

During a separate interview with The Shade Room, Cannon spoke about his admiration for Carey, calling her "the coolest person [he's] ever met." He revealed that his fascination with Carey began when he was just 12 years old and had pictures of her adorning his bedroom walls. Cannon went on to marry the pop diva, and despite their separation, he still holds her in high regard.

Cannon described Carey as a person who is "just always happy, always doing for others." The duo are parents to 12-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe.

Cannon is a proud father to a large brood of children, including six-year-old son Golden, two-year-old daughter Powerful, and seven-month-old son Rise, all of whom he shares with Brittany Bell. In addition to his twins with Carey, he is also the father of 1-year-old twins Zion and Zillion and five-month-old daughter Beautiful with Abby De La Rosa.

Cannon has also welcomed two children in the past year, including ten-month-old son Legendary with Bre Tiesi and seven-month-old daughter Onyx with LaNisha Cole. Tragically, Cannon and his baby mama Alyssa Scott lost their son Zen in December 2021 when he was just five months old. The pair eventually welcomed daughter Halo Marie in December last year.