Raven Symoné has recently praised Bill Cosby for bringing change to the entertainment industry.
The Cheetah Girls star shared her thoughts on one of her early mentors, Bill during the latest episode of Hate to Break It to Ya podcast.
The American actress, who starred in Bill’s series The Cosby Show at the age of three, made rare comments about her former costar’s sexual assault cases.
“He has been accused of some horrific cases,” said the 39-year-old.
Raven mentioned, “That does not excuse, but that’s his personal [life].”
“So personally, keep that there, and then business-wise, know what he did there as well,” remarked the Raven’s Home star.
During the conversation, the actress also stressed the importance of comedian’s contributions to the television industry.
She credited Bill for incorporating Black people in the industry behind the camera which is now “mandated”.
“But back then—especially on a Black show—it was very important to see yourself not just in front, but behind the camera as well, and Mr. Cosby instilled that in all of us,” explained Raven.
Interestingly, Raven opened up that Bill’s firmness on having Black crew members behind the scenes was so “meaningful” to her that she supported for more diversity on her own shows, including the That's So Ravenspin-off, Raven's Home."
“I took it to Disney and I took it to anywhere I went afterwards, even when it wasn’t the norm,” she continued.
Before concluding, Raven added, “I was like, ‘No, I have to be able to see myself.’ Because if I don’t ask for it, who will?”