Key Takeaways
- Nick Cannon admits fathering 12 kids was partly a response to personal pain after his divorce.
- He regrets not addressing his emotional trauma sooner but emphasizes his love for his children.
- He is currently pausing on having more children, focusing on healing and being intentional.
Introduction
Nick Cannon is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his work on Wild ’N Out, The Masked Singer, and countless film and TV projects, the actor, comedian, and host has also made headlines for his personal life—particularly for being the father of 12 children.
In a recent interview, Cannon opened up about how emotional trauma shaped his decisions to grow such a large family. His reflections offer valuable insights for entertainment professionals about healing, self-awareness, and making intentional choices even under public pressure.
Nick Cannon on Trauma and Fatherhood
Trauma After Divorce Led to “Careless” Choices
Following his 2016 divorce from Mariah Carey, Cannon revealed that he made many of his choices from a place of pain. Rather than taking time to heal, he threw himself into relationships and became a father multiple times over, describing his actions as “careless” and “frivolous.”
Cannon explained that he felt he could do it all—financially and logistically—and didn’t slow down to reflect on how his decisions might impact his long-term future.
Using Relationships as Distractions
He also admitted that new relationships became a coping mechanism. Instead of seeking therapy or addressing his emotional needs, he distracted himself with companionship. Cannon shared that if he had focused on his healing journey earlier, things “might have been a little different.”
Nick Cannon’s Blended Family
Nick Cannon’s family of 12 kids is one of Hollywood’s most talked-about topics. He co-parents with six women and frequently shares that, despite the challenges, he is dedicated to being an involved father.
Here’s a look at his growing family:
- Mariah Carey – Twins Moroccan and Monroe
- Brittany Bell – Golden Sagon, Powerful Queen, Rise Messiah
- Abby De La Rosa – Twins Zion and Zillion Heir, Beautiful Zeppelin
- Bre Tiesi – Legendary Love
- LaNisha Cole – Onyx Ice Cole
- Alyssa Scott – Halo Marie (their son Zen sadly passed away in 2021)
Cannon has said that managing such a large blended family requires effort, planning, and communication, but he embraces fatherhood as one of the most fulfilling roles in his life.
Pressing Pause on More Children
For now, Cannon has no plans to expand his family further. He has said he is “pressing hold” on having more kids so he can focus on his current family and on doing the “inner work” he previously avoided.
This shift highlights a new era of intentionality for Cannon. By acknowledging his past choices and committing to personal growth, he is setting an example for others navigating public scrutiny and personal challenges.
Quote
“It wasn’t like I was acting out. It was more about being careless, being frivolous with my process because I could do it, because I had the money, because I had the access…” —Nick Cannon
Final Thoughts
Nick Cannon’s reflections serve as a reminder that personal choices—even those made in moments of grief—can have lasting impacts. For creatives, actors, and entertainment professionals, his story underscores the importance of slowing down, processing trauma, and being intentional with both career and personal life decisions.
Whether you’re planning your next audition or next major life step, Cannon’s journey shows that self-awareness and healing are crucial parts of success—on and off the screen.
