Comedian Nick Cannon is facing criticism after saying on a recent podcast that he has ‘encouraged’ his 15-year-old son to date, while making it clear he doesn’t treat his twin sister the same way.
During an appearance on the TMZ podcast on May 2, the TV personality said his daughter Monroe will “always be his baby,” as he discussed how he approaches dating rules for his teenage twins.
The 45-year-old sparked a wave of backlash after a short segment from the episode began circulating online, with viewers reacting to what they saw as different standards for his son and daughter.
The Masked Singer host shares the twins with his ex-wife Mariah Carey. The former couple finalized their divorce in 2016.
“My son [Moroccan] has been dating, and I’ve allowed it, I encouraged it,” he admitted.
“And my daughter,” the star added, before the podcast host jumped in: “I hope you’ve been allowing it and encouraging that, too…”
To which Cannon responded: “No, absolutely not.”
Although he acknowledged the “double standard,” Cannon said he believes parenting can look different depending on whether you’re raising a son or a daughter, adding that he feels a stronger need to keep a close eye on Monroe.
“I know I get in trouble a lot ‘cause I say things with my chest,” he said, “But there is a difference when parenting a son and then when parenting a daughter.”
The actor added: “I am more protective of my daughter because there [are] things out there that I have to protect my daughter from.
“Like, as we know, there are a certain type of individuals that you want to keep your daughter away from.”
He went on to say he’s had repeated conversations with Monroe about dating, and that they’ve agreed on specific boundaries.
“We made a deal,” he continued.
“If she can explain to me what’s going to happen on these dates, then she can go, your twin brother can go with you.”
Cannon is a father of 12: Golden, Powerful, Zion, Zillion, Zen, Legendary, Onyx, Rise, Beautiful, Halo, plus the twins Monroe and Moroccan.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Nick Cannon's totally fine letting his 15-year-old son Moroccan take a girl on a date … but Moroccan's twin sister Monroe ain't getting the same freedom. pic.twitter.com/OxMQuw4uKi
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 2, 2026
Later in the clip, he emphasized that he wants to keep communication open, saying he’d rather Monroe feels comfortable telling him what’s going on than keeping things from him.
Towards the end of the clip, he added: “Hopefully, we’re having these open conversations.
“My daughter tells me any and everything, and even though I’m apprehensive, like, if you can explain it to [me] … I want you to have all the questions answered or whatever, and you make the best decision possible.”
He also marked the twins’ birthday this week with a post on Instagram.
Celebrating the twin’s birthday earlier this week, he posted on Instagram and wrote: “Got two 15 year olds on my hands now!!!! Happy Birthday to my first firstborns.
“I thank God and you for allowing me to be your Dad! I love you Roc and Roe! Happy Birthday!”