Nick Cannon recently appeared on “The Howard Stern Show,” where he delved into his relationship with Will Smith, recounting the instrumental role Smith played in launching his career. In a candid conversation, Cannon disclosed how Smith had noticed his talent at a young age, leading to a mentorship that extended across multiple facets of the entertainment industry.

According to Cannon, Smith had seen a tape of his stand-up comedy and was struck by the similarities between a young Cannon and himself. This encounter culminated in Smith offering Cannon a transformative opportunity, providing him with a TV and record deal, and even casting him in “Men in Black II.” Cannon reminisced about the early days, recalling how Smith was a mentor and a shining example of professionalism and support in an often cutthroat industry.

However, the conversation took a turn when Stern steered it towards the 2022 Oscars incident involving Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock. Cannon recounted his initial disbelief upon hearing about the altercation, initially assuming it might have been a scripted skit due to the surreal nature of the situation. As the reality sank in, Cannon expressed his disappointment at the unfortunate turn of events, especially given the significance of that Oscars ceremony, which was under the helm of producer Will Packer and was a milestone for Black representation.

Reflecting on the tense moment between Smith and Rock, Cannon subtly injected humor by praising Smith’s impassioned reaction as possibly some of the “best acting” he’d seen from the acclaimed actor, suggesting tongue-in-cheek that it deserved an Oscar itself. Yet, underlying the humor was a genuine empathy for both parties involved. Cannon conveyed his heartfelt sympathy for Smith and Rock, acknowledging the situation’s complexity and the high emotions amidst a prestigious event.

In the final moments of the interview, Cannon’s compassion shone through as he expressed a sense of understanding and support for both Smith and Rock. His empathetic stance highlighted the human aspect behind the public spectacle, recognizing the vulnerability and emotions that often underlie such high-profile incidents.

Cannon’s reflections show that mentorship and camaraderie in the entertainment industry can be complex, where professional relationships intertwine with genuine human emotions. The conversation not only shed light on the influence of Will Smith in Cannon’s career but also offered a nuanced perspective on a controversial and widely discussed incident, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of unexpected events in the public eye.