Rob Schneider Skips ‘Nick Cannon’ Show — Are Recent Controversies to Blame?
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Every Thursday, Nick Cannon usually speaks with the eliminated contestant from The Masked Singer episode that aired the day before. On the TV Guide, the description of the daytime talk show even said that Cannon would be sitting down with the unmasked celebrity. Cannon’s official talk show website also echoed that the celebrity would be joining today’s show. So, what happened to Rob Schneider, the actor revealed to be Hamster on The Masked Singer?
Cannon’s guests today on Nick Cannon were former America’s Got Talent host Jerry Springer and a pizza man. He did start off the show by playing a clip of Schneider’s The Masked Singer reveal. Cannon sent “love to Rob” for wearing the sweaty costume and singing his tail off. Typically, the eliminated contestants join Cannon via video chat to discuss their experience on the show. Cannon did not mention why Schneider did not appear virtually.
Why Wasn’t Rob Schneider on ‘Nick Cannon’ to Discuss ‘The Masked Singer’?
There could be a plethora of reasons why Schneider ditched Nick Cannon today whether it was a scheduling conflict, a technical blip, or an incorrect announcement. Or, Schneider’s recent controversial comments could be catching up to him. Cannon announced he will be chatting with Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba tomorrow and made no mention of Schneider being on a future episode.
Schneider’s name was trending on Twitter in July after tweeting about COVID-19 vaccines. When it comes to getting vaccines, Schneider advised his followers to “Just say no…” He referred to the vaccine as “unapproved experimental gene therapy.” Schneider’s tweets continue to criticize California state legislators about vaccine mandates.
Schneider’s reveal on The Masked Singer raises questions about COVID-19 protocols on set this season. The show did continue filming after having 12 positive COVID cases on set. Fox put out a statement about the show’s cast and crew being the “number one priority.” Pufferfish, AKA Toni Braxton, wore a facemask under her costume to be “extra cautious” on set. Braxton has lupus, the same disease Cannon suffers from.
Schneider’s tweets also questioned mask mandates. Season 6 of The Masked Singer features a fully vaccinated live audience of people ages 18 and up. All audience members are required to receive a negative COVID-19 test 48 hours before the show is taped. There is no word if these vaccination rules also applied to the celebrity contestants.
Schneider Weighed in on the Dave Chapelle Drama
Schneider has also been accused of racial insensitivity for portraying stereotypes and characters of different races in the past. Many of his roles in Adam Sandler’s films fall into this category. Most recently, amid Dave Chapelle’s ongoing controversy with Netflix, Schneider tweeted in support of the comedian. Netflix employees staged a walkout after Chapelle’s comedy special featured jokes about transgender people.
“Thank you, Dave Chappelle! Thank you For your incredible humanity. May God bless you and your family. Love, Rob (Filipino Elvis),” Schneider wrote on Twitter.
Cannon, who has dealt with his own fare share of controversies, was criticized on Twitter for allowing Schneider to compete on the show. Cannon always maintains that he is never told who is under the masks beforehand. We assume as executive producer he does have some say in who is cast on the show. The Masked Singer usually always has at least one controversial person on the show each season.
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