Nick Cannon announces he's leaving 'America's Got Talent' after threats of firing

Nick Cannon announced on Monday morning that he will no longer be host of "America's Got Talent" after NBC executives threatened to fire him over a joke he told in his Showtime comedy special.

The 36-year-old actor revealed the bombshell news on social media:

"After days of deliberating over some extremely disappointing news that I was being threatened with termination by Executives because of a comedy special that was only intended to bring communities closer together, I was to be punished for a joke," he wrote on Instagram and Facebook. "This has weighed heavy on my spirit. It was brought to my attention by my "team" that NBC believed that I was in breach of contract because I had disparaged their brand. In my defense, I would ask how so? Or is this just another way to silence and control an outspoken voice who often battles the establishment."

He ended his lengthy post by giving more context on his decision to leave.

"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. There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity. I have loved hosting AMERICAS GOT TALENT for the last 8 seasons, watching talented, brave, and courageous Americans accomplish their dreams in front of millions has been nothing but a joy, and everyone has been a pleasure to work with 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."

TMZ reported late last week that Mariah Carey's ex almost got ousted from the network over the joke. He walked away scot-free after executives decided to let it slide. Cleary that pissed Nick off -- he told Howard Stern last week that he'd sue if they ever fired him over a joke.

His comedy special, "Stand Up, Don't Shoot," premiered on February 10 and takes on race and other controversial topics.

NBC has yet to comment on Cannon's bombshell announcement.