Nick Cannon sparks controversy with 'Whiteface' photo of new character to promote forthcoming album

Nick Cannon has painted his face white and assumed a new persona to promote his forthcoming album White People Party Music.

The 33-year-old shared an Instagram snap of himself on Sunday wearing a thick coating of make-up to portray a Caucasian man named Connor Smallnut.

The America's Got Talent host also posted a series of videos where he embodies his new controversial character, drastically altering his mannerism and speech patterns to caricaturist levels.

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Opening up a debate: Nick was at the centre of controversy as he donned whiteface to embody his character Connor Smallnut

His initial Instagram unveiling was captioned: 'It’s official… I’m White!!! #WHITEPEOPLEPARTYMUSIC #Wppm in stores April 1st!!!!!!Dude Go Get It!!!Join The Party!!!! #GoodCredit #DogKissing #BeerPong #FarmersMarkets #FistPumping #CreamCheeseEating #RacialDraft “Bro I got drafted!!”'.

Donning a white knit beanie, a blonde wig, false teeth, spectacles and white make-up he transformed himself into a skater kid.



Completing his getup was a flannel button down pulled over a white T-shirt as he sported grey Eighties style jeans.



Relax: The star told his fans to relax after some hit out at him for his controversial character

Let me introduce myself: Cannon unveiled Connor on Sunday with a Instagram video

After some fans did not respond kindly to the make-up and caricaturish antics, the star wrote: '"Duuuude everybody Chil-lax!!!!" ~ Connor Smallnut'.

Offering a further explanation, he tweeted: 'It's funny how people take themselves so seriously. People love drama! We feed off of it. Just relax and have fun!!'



He then posted a picture of Robert Downey Jr in Tropic Thunder: 'Shout out to @RobertDowneyJr This is one of my favorite characters of all time! Hilarious!!! There is a big difference between Humor and Hatred. '

Going broad: The television host assumed an over-the-top persona

Shout out: The star shared a still from Tropic Thunder featuring Robert Downey Jr asking his fans to relax He was referring to Downey's portrayal of Kirk Lazarus, a Caucasian actor who dons blackface to play a character in a fictional war film in the comedy film - the character was satirising the tradition of wearing blackface rather than promoting it.

In one of the videos posted Nick disguised as Connor interviewed a man on the street.

Talking in a high nasally voice, Cannon was wowed by the man's impromptu rapping and even declared that he should be given a 'record deal'.

White People Party Music hits stores on April 1.

