As his baby boom has unfolded over the years, dad-of-12 Nick Cannon has stirred up quite a bit of controversy with his eyebrow-raising comments about everything from the motivations behind his prolific procreation to his unusual co-parenting dynamics. On Monday, the TV host was at it again, this time riling up fans with details about how he doles out financial support to the mothers of his kids.
More From Mom.com: Nick Cannon Teases Wild New Reality Show Where Women Compete to Have His Next Baby
Nick did a radio interview with Hot 104.1 on Monday
After calling himself a "provider," the 42-year-old provided some insight into how he supports his large brood. He explained that he doesn't give a "monthly allowance" or "set amount" of money to the six women he has children with. "I don't give myself that [guideline]," he said, according to Page Six. "What they need, they get it."
He claims that the women are satisfied with this arrangement
"There's never been something that one of the mothers of my children has asked for and they didn't receive," he said, making it clear that he's doing his duty for the moms, including DJ Abby De La Rosa, model Brie Tiesi, and singer Mariah Carey.
But the details of his financial relationship with the women have some people concerned.
Nick is now being accused of financial abuse
Financial abuse is a common tactic used to gain power and control in a relationship and can include withholding money and not making set child support payments.
"Financial manipulation and inconsistency isn't exactly the backbone of a strong healthy relationship," one person commented online.
Another wrote, "They have to ask for things, and he will decide if they need it or not. If he thinks they need what they ask for, he goes and buys it for them and expects gratitude. It's a form of control."
But others came to Nick's defense
One person suggested that the financial support Nick provides the mothers is likely much more generous than what they would get via an official legal arrangement.
"My theory is that the support he provides the moms is more than what they'd get if they went through the courts to set up a child support agreement. He never married any of these women so they aren't entitled to alimony," they wrote.
"He's probably signing leases for houses and cars, taking them on the occasional shopping spree or vacation, and maybe covering some bills. If they went through the court to get a child support agreement, they'd probably get enough to cover their children's expenses and then some, but not enough to finance this lifestyle."
In his radio interview, Nick reiterated how much 'respect' and 'admiration' he has for each of the mothers
"Everybody has their challenges — but when you really understand this woman has given the greatest sacrifice and sacrificed her body to bring a child into [this world], that's the best gift any man could ask for," he said.
"Regardless of what goes on in any scenario, I'll never say anything disrespectful or bad about any of the mothers of my children."
Though he'll always have his critics, maybe he should be given the benefit of the doubt that his intentions are good. If this money arrangement works for Nick and the women, that's really all that matters.
