UPDATE: Raven-Symone has made headlines with her bold comments regarding the complex legacy of her former co-star, Bill Cosby, in the latest episode of the podcast “Hate to Break It to Ya,” aired on November 3, 2023. The 39-year-old actress asserted that the achievements of The Cosby Show can be “separated” from Cosby’s personal scandals.
In a moment that ignited significant conversation, Symone stated, “Separate the creator from the creation, and that’s just where I live.” Her remarks come in the wake of Cosby’s conviction for aggravated indecent assault in 2018 after accusations from over 60 women, which have since led to a deeply tarnished reputation. Cosby, now 88 years old, was sentenced to three to ten years but released in 2021 when his conviction was overturned on appeal.
Raven-Symone reflected on her unique position as Cosby’s onscreen step-granddaughter, Olivia, during the latter years of the show that aired for eight seasons. “The creation changed America, changed television,” she noted, emphasizing the significant cultural impact of the series despite the controversies surrounding its star.
While acknowledging the gravity of the allegations against Cosby, Symone urged a nuanced view: “He has been accused of some horrific things, and that does not excuse… But that’s his personal. Personally, keep that there, and then, business-wise, know what he did there as well.” Her comments are particularly poignant as they strike a balance between recognizing artistic contributions and condemning personal misconduct.
Throughout her career, Symone has navigated the complexities of fame, transitioning from The Cosby Show to a successful tenure at Disney, where she starred in shows like That’s So Raven and participated in various projects. She shared, “I got into the Disney family when I was 13… It was just really interesting because nobody from Disney at the time had a career like mine prior to signing with Disney.”
Symone’s career path illustrates a commitment to maintaining her artistic integrity while working within a major entertainment conglomerate. She expressed a desire to retain control over her music career, stating, “Just the type of music… I like weird original stuff.” This independence is a rarity in the industry, particularly for women of color.
As the conversation around Cosby’s legacy continues to evolve, Raven-Symone’s perspective invites critical dialogue about the intersection of art and morality. She concluded, “I understand the morals and the values of the onscreen branding that Disney understands… Got to separate the work from the personal.”
This urgent discussion highlights the ongoing ramifications of Cosby’s actions and their impact on those who worked with him. For those affected by sexual assault, resources are available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and join the conversation about the complexities of legacy and accountability in the entertainment industry.
