Raven-Symoné went from beloved former child star to public enemy number one in the eyes of the black community after she commented on OWN’s “Where Are They Now?” that she didn’t want to be labeled as “African-American” or “gay.”
During her interview with Oprah Winfrey, Raven-Symone opened up about her sexuality and claimed that she no longer wanted to be labeled based on her race or sexual orientation.
“I don’t want to be labeled ‘gay.’ I want to be labeled a human who loves human. I’m tired of being labeled. I’m an American! I’m not an African-American. I’m an American,” Raven said.
“I will say this: I don’t know where my roots go to. I don’t know how far back they go. I can’t go on … you know… I don’t know how far back and I don’t know what country in Africa I’m from. But I do know that my roots are in Louisiana. I’m an American. And that’s a colorless person — because we are all people. I have lots of things running through my veins,” she added.
Almost immediately after the interview aired, Raven suffered an angry backlash from black fans who claimed her comments were offensive.
Now, days after the controversy began, Raven has sent a statement out to the press, clarifying her statement and saying that she never denied her race.
Read what Raven had to say after the cut. – nicholas robinson
