‘I’m a Little Torn’: Nick Cannon Says He Feels ‘Guilty on So Many Levels,’ Defends His Decision to Resume Taping Talk Show Following Son’s Untimely Death

Nick Cannon is defending his decision to return to work following the untimely passing of his youngest son, Zen Cannon. The 5-month old newborn and seventh child of the television talk show host whom he shares with model Alyssa Scott passed away over the weekend after being diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer.

After delivering the heartbreaking news on his daytime television talk show “The Nick Cannon Show,” the 41-year-old returned for another taping where he addressed his mental status and critics’ and family member’s concerns that he may have gone back to work too soon.

Nick Cannon shares last image with Alyssa Scott and their son Zen. Photo: “The Nick Cannon Show”/ Screenshot

“A lot of people keep asking me, like, ‘Man why you even at work?’ Especially my family,” the host said during his opening monologue on the episode for Dec. 8. “‘Boy, you need to go sit down somewhere. You got too many jobs already! Allow yourself to just be yourself.’ He added, “I appreciate all that advice, and I know it comes from a place of care, but to me this isn’t work. This is love.”

The “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” star said he would continue with the show but admitted that the emotions were starting to settle in and that he was left feeling “guilty on so many levels.”

He added, “Yesterday, it was a little easier than today because yesterday I was so laser-focused and even numb. I just knew I just had to get it done. Today, I’m a little torn. I’m a little confused. Because it’s a hurting thing. I’m grieving. I feel guilty on so many levels,” said Cannon, who has six other children from other relationships.

Cannon’s son had been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes a buildup of fluid on the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Brain tissues are damaged due to the pressure being applied to them by the excess liquid. However, the causes of hydrocephalus can vary because of the many ways it can be developed.

Cannon shared Zen’s last photo with his mother. The two were at the beach where the model was spotted holding the infant child. Cannon later paid tribute to the late boy by dedicating the show to him.

“I was always taught, you go through it, you grow through it; you keep pushing. I’m here to show that I can fight through this, I’m feeling it, I’m vulnerable, I’m open. This is a special show dedicated to my beautiful son Zen,” he said.