Bill Cosby Update: Raven-Symoné Speaks Out On Rape Scandal
Raven-Symoné, who got her first acting break as 3-year-old Olivia on The Cosby Show, opened up this week about the accusations against her former television grandfather, Bill Cosby.
People reports that although Symoné, now 29, has remained mostly mum amid the rape accusations against Cosby, she felt compelled to speak out last year after rumors surfaced that she was a victim of child abuse while working on set with Cosby from 1989 to 1992. Symoné states that nothing could be further from the truth and that she was always treated with respect and kindness.
“I was NOT taking advantage of by Mr. Cosby when I was on the Cosby Show. I was practically a baby on that show and this is truly a disgusting rumor that I want no part of! Everyone on that show treated me with nothing but kindness. Now keep me out of this!”
Recently, Symoné stated that aside from defending herself against the rumors that she was abused on The Cosby Show, she generally avoids any conversations regarding Cosby’s rape allegations. Yet, she says she’s open to talking about it if the timing is right, such as her recent stint as a co-host on The View. She indicated that although she admires Cosby’s work, the facts are beginning to speak.
“I don’t really like to talk about it that much because he’s the reason I’m on this panel in the first place. He gave me my first job. But at the same time, you need the proof, and then I’ll be able to give my judgment here or there. And now there are real facts. More people can come up.”
Although Cosby faces rape accusations from numerous women, he has yet to be charged criminally.
Meanwhile, Raven-Symoné made headlines recently when she refused to be labeled as African American. She explained that although she understands the need for people to label others, she feels being labeled because of race or sexual preference isn’t necessary. Symoné made the comment last year, but it resurfaced again during her guest spot on The View.
“I don’t like labels, but everyone needs them to understand what is going on. So, okay, I get it. Give me ‘American.’ There is nothing wrong with being an American, purely. I think that there are a lot of different races that fall under ‘American,’ so past that you really just are sub-categorizing me over and over again.”
As far as Bill Cosby’s future and whether he will be formally charged or not, Raven-Symoné simply states that “we’ll see what happens.”
[Photos Courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images & Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
