NBC aimed to fire Cannon

Nick Cannon has quit as host of

America’s Got Talent after NBC executives allegedly reprimanded him for making negative remarks about the network in his standup routine.

Reports say the 36-year-old was nearly fired from the show after eight seasons for saying network executives wanted him to lose his “black card” and display less “swagger” in his standup special, which airs in the U.S. on Friday.

The comments are reportedly a violation of his contract, which stops him from talking about the network without its approval. TMZ reports NBC bosses had serious discussions about firing him but chose to let the comments slide.

But on Monday, mere weeks before the talent show begins filming, Cannon announced he will be leaving because he cannot stand the way he is being censored by corporations.

“I find myself in a dark place having to make a decision that I wish I didn’t have to, but as a man, an artist, and a voice for my community I will not be silenced, controlled or treated like a piece of property,” he wrote in a lengthy Facebook post. “I have loved hosting America’s Got

Talent for the last 8 seasons ... but my soul won’t allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists and question cultural choices.”

He concluded, “So I wish AGT and NBC the best in its upcoming season but I cannot see myself returning. As of lately I have even questioned if I want to even be apart of an industry who ultimately treats artists in this manner.”