Raven Symone defends reporter's 'ape' comment and use of 'n-word' on 'The View'

buzzz worthy. . .

By Mona Austin

 Should Raven Symone's "Black card" be revoked?  The actress/singer has made public statements recently that give the impression she is disloyal to African Americans and she may be taking objectivity/open mindedness too far.

Yesterday as a guest co-host on "The View,"  Symone shared views that were quite controversial.

Symone defended  the Univision reporter who was fired last week for comparing First Lady Michelle Obama to an ape.

"Not Michelle Obama. Michelle, don't fire me from this right now, but some people do look like animals," she said explaining people were too sensitive about the reporter's comment, which she did not deem racist.  

Co-host Rosie Perez argued that the statement was  racist and was disrespectful to the First Lady, but Symone continued to justify her comment. "I look like a bird, so can I be mad if somebody calls me Toucan Sam?," she asked.

In a discussion about Terrence Howard's push to use the "n-word" on "Empire" Symone also said the use of the "n" word is the same as using the "b" word and that her generation wants to move on and not be reminded of the past Civil Rights struggles. 

Perez also took Ms. Symone to task over this remark adding that Latinos do not tolerate use of racial slurs.

Recognizing the negative impression she left, the Empire actress took to Twitter after the show to clarify her  opinion. "My opinion/comments aren't based off race, that doesn't mean I'm trying to be a different race all together," the post read. "I love OUR history, family...."

Controversy surrounded the actress last year following  an interview with Oprah Winfrey last year.  Symone, who is an African American  in a lesbian relationship, said she does not want to be called "gay" or "Black." She said she does not like labels, but if they must be used she prefers to be called "human" and "American."