Raven-Symoné shares rare remarks about her Cosby Show co-star Bill Cosby, recognizing the significant impact he had on her career.
Here are Raven-Symoné's reflections on one of her first mentors. In rare remarks regarding her former co-star Bill Cosby's sexual assault trials, the Cosby Show alumna, who had her acting debut on the 1980s comedy at the age of 3 clarified that she keeps his legal issues apart from his career achievements.
“He has been accused of some horrific things,” she stated during the Hate to Break It to Ya podcast's November 3rd episode. “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.”
The 39-year-old Raven emphasized the disgraced comedian's contributions to the television industry throughout the discussion, pointing out that he was the first to hire Black staff workers for his shows.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 19 (Feb 9 – May 2, 2026): big discounts for early bird.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register for Tekedia AI Lab: From Technical Design to Deployment (next edition begins Jan 24 2026).
“Now it’s mandated,” she clarified, “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.”
The That is So Raven actress did admit that she still demands representation in the backstage areas of her own projects.
“I took it to Disney, and I took it to anywhere I went afterwards, even when it wasn’t the norm,” she went on. “I was like, ‘No, I have to be able to see myself.’ Because if I don’t ask for it, who will?”
Cosby's lawyer has not responded to requests for comment from news organizations.
In 2018, Cosby, 88, was convicted guilty of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004 and given a sentence of three to ten years in prison. After the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed his conviction in June 2021, citing a deal Cosby had with a former prosecutor that would have shielded him from prosecution, he was freed.
Cosby made a statement regarding the situation on the day of his freedom.
“I have never changed my stance nor my story,” he stated at the time in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “I have always maintained my innocence. Thank you to all my fans, supporters and friends who stood by me through this ordeal. Special thanks to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law.”