Raven-Symoné recently addressed past controversial comments about race, claiming that her statement about not being African American was taken out of context. The 38-year-old actress discussed the issue on a new episode of the “Tea Time With Raven and Miranda” podcast with her wife, Miranda Maday. She brought up a 2014 interview where she felt like the internet exploded and threw her name in the garbage after a clip went viral following a mention on Real Time With Bill Maher.
The viral clip from 2014 resurfaced after Maher used Raven’s quote in a new segment discussing Idris Elba’s comments about people being obsessed with race. Raven explained that she made the comment in the context of not wanting to be labeled gay, but rather wanting to be labeled as a human who loves humans. She clarified that when she said she was not African American, it did not mean she was negating her Blackness, but rather emphasizing her American identity. Raven expressed respect for her history and ancestors who struggled and contributed to the country.
In a separate event, Raven celebrated her 38th birthday last December without her younger brother, Blaize Pearman, who passed away after battling colon cancer for two years. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the actress thanked everyone for the birthday wishes and expressed that it was bittersweet due to her brother’s passing. Raven’s parents, Lydia Gaulden and Christopher Pearman, welcomed Blaize in 1991, six years after Raven’s birth. He was 31 years old at the time of his death. The loss of her brother added a layer of complexity to Raven’s birthday celebrations.
Raven’s podcast episode titled “We Need to Talk …” provided a platform for her to address the backlash she faced after her 2014 comments on race went viral. She discussed how the internet reacted and misunderstood her words, emphasizing that she never said she wasn’t Black but rather identified as an American. Raven acknowledged the struggles and sacrifices of her ancestors in building the America she lives in today. The discussion on the podcast aimed to clarify her stance on identity and race, showcasing a deeper understanding of her heritage and upbringing.
The actress reflected on the impact of Maher using her quote in a segment discussing race, acknowledging that the comment had haunted her since 2014. She expressed frustration at how her words were misconstrued and the backlash she received from her community and others who misunderstood her intentions. Raven’s rehashing of this issue on her podcast with Miranda Maday provided a platform for open dialogue about race, identity, and the importance of understanding context when interpreting statements made in the public sphere. The episode allowed Raven to share her perspective and shed light on the complexities of racial identity in America.
Overall, Raven-Symoné’s discussion on her podcast highlighted the importance of context and understanding when it comes to sensitive topics such as race and identity. The actress clarified her stance on being labeled as African American versus American, emphasizing her connection to her heritage and ancestors while asserting her American identity. Her reflections on her brother’s passing added a personal element to the conversation, showcasing the complexities of navigating grief and loss in the midst of public scrutiny. Through open dialogue and introspection, Raven aimed to address past controversies and provide insight into her perspective on race and identity.
