"I grew up like a real n----, all that stuff, but I honestly believe once I stated doing 'America's Got Talent', they took my real n---- card," he said.
Cannon said in his statement that NBC's threats to discipline him were "just another way to silence and control an outspoken voice who often battles the establishment."
NBC has not returned CNN's request for comment.
"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," he wrote.
Cannon alleges this was not "the first time executives have attempted to 'put me in my place' for so called unruly actions."
"I will not stand for it. My moral principles will easily walk away from the millions of dollars they hang over my head," he wrote. "It's never been about the money for me, what is difficult to walk away from is the fans, the people who love me on the show. This hurts tremendously."