Raven-Symoné is sharing her thoughts on one of her earliest mentors.
The Cosby Show alum—who made her acting debut on the ‘80s sitcom at age 3—made rare comments about her former costar Bill Cosby’s sexual assault cases, explaining that she separates his legal troubles from his professional accomplishments.
“He has been accused of some horrific things,” she said on the Nov. 3 episode of the Hate to Break It to Ya podcast. “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.”
During the conversation, Raven, 39, highlighted the disgraced comedian’s contributions to the television industry, including pioneering the practice of hiring Black crew members on set of his series.
“Now it’s mandated,” she explained, “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.”