More than a decade after numerous women accused him of sexual violence, Raven-Simone protects Bill Cosbyprofessional heritage.
The five-time Emmy nominee explained that her former on-screen grandfather “changed television” and the on-screen portrayal of Black, despite the “horrific things” he was previously convicted of.
“Separate the creator from the creation. And this is exactly where I live. Creation changed America. Changed television,” she said on air I hate to break it to you podcast. “He's being accused of some terrible things. It doesn't justify it, but it's his own business.” [life]. So personally keep it there and then from a business standpoint know what he did there. Both can live.”
More than 60 women have accused Cosby of numerous sex crimes. Although he was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine in 2018 for the 2004 rape of Judge Andrea Constand. overturned the sentence in 2021.
Raven went on to note that he has made black representation on television a priority, especially on his NBC sitcom. The Cosby Show (1984–92), in which the actress played Olivia Kendall as a child.
Bill Cosby and Raven-Symone on The Cosby Show (NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection)
“It’s a must now, but back then—especially on the Black show—it was very important to see yourself not only in front of the camera, but behind it, and Mr. Cosby instilled that in all of us,” she said.
“I took it to Disney and then everywhere I went, even when it wasn’t the norm,” Raven added. “I thought, 'No, I should be able to see myself.' Because if I don’t ask for it, who will?”
Raven went on to host her own series on the Disney Channel. It's so raven (2003–2007), as well as a spin-off Raven's House (2017-23).
