“You chalk it up to being skinny, white”—Raven-Symoné on why Disney favored “talented” Miley Cyrus over her despite popularity 

In the early 2000s, two young actresses became Disney Channel’s household names. Raven-Symoné captured hearts with her show ‘That’s So Raven,’ which aired from 2003 to 2007. Later, Miley Cyrus gained fame playing Hannah Montana from 2006 to 2011.

In a recent episode of The Jason Lee Show aired on The Zeus Network, Jason Lee welcomed Raven-Symoné, now 39 years old, for an in-depth conversation. During the interview, Lee asked her if there was any competition between Miley Cyrus, now 32 years old, and her during their time working for Disney.

“I’m almost 40. I don’t compete with people younger than me. I was famous at 3 years old, and I had been on multiple television shows before I got on ‘That’s So Raven.’”

Symoné was just 18 years old on the set of That’s So Raven. She later explained that she had more things to worry about than Miley Cyrus at the time, as she also had to deal with co-star Orlando Brown. Post-Disney, Brown regularly made headlines due to his numerous arrests for drug possession, assault, and unhinged behavior.

Symoné later explained her confusion with Disney favoring Miley Cyrus, even though she had been on multiple shows as a child actress before 'That's So Raven.' Symoné explained,

“Disney knew it but also didn’t play that up to build the brand of ‘That’s So Raven.’ So when other ladies came to the network to then use that platform and push it forward, I was already sitting in my ego, knowing that …”

She continued,

“Was there, in my brain, a WTF on what, why, and how this is going faster than what I went through? Obviously. But then at that time, you chalk it up to skinny, white, and the foundation was already built.”

Miley Cyrus wins the Disney Legend award

According to a BBC report, in August 2024, Miley Cyrus became the youngest-ever star to receive Disney legend status. The award is given to individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the company. However, few social media users questioned if Cyrus winning the award before Disney stars like Raven-Symoné, Shia Saide LaBeouf, Christy Carlson Romano, and others made sense; however, her fans felt the award was justified.

Raven-Symoné replies to societal labels and anti-Black accusations

In an episode of Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Where Are They Now,' Raven shared that she doesn’t like being labeled. Previously she had posted her excitement in regard to the Supreme Court ruling that the ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional , which led to fans speculating it was her way of coming out publicly. When asked to explain, Raven said that it was her way of saying that she is proud of her country.

“But, I will say that I'm in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner. A woman."

She then clarified her stance on being labeled gay, explaining that she would rather be labeled as a human who loves humans.

"I'm tired of being labeled, I'm an American. I'm not an African American; I'm an American."

Raven-Symoné's statement of not wanting to be labeled as an African American started a debate, and people saw it as her being anti-Black. Symoné provided an explanation of her controversial views on The Jason Lee Show.

“I am a Black American. I am definitely Black, and yes, my ancestors come from Africa,” she told Jason Lee.

Raven-Symoné stated,

“How long does a bloodline have to live in one land before they are considered a pure species of that land? Meaning, how long did my people have to be in America to say, ‘Hey, no, we’re American,’ compared to some people who are English-American…from their ancestors, but they get to call themselves American.”

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She further explains her opinion that a true African-American is someone who is from Africa and has moved to the United States of America, either the first or second generation, and has a tie to that country, which she doesn’t have.

“I think there comes a point where you build a country… and generationally live in a country, you have the privilege to call yourself pure American.”

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