Tessa Everly
Just days after a resurfaced podcast clip created a stir online, Raven-Symoné continues to be a trending subject. The former Disney star found herself under scrutiny when she appeared to question the racial identity of her character, Raven Baxter, from ‘That’s So Raven.’ While the actress and her spouse, Miranda Maday, have not yet commented on the viral video, Kalen Allen, the guest featured in the clip, reported receiving death threats. Now, former Miss Teen USA contestant Gloria Almonte has joined the conversation, recalling a comment made by 15-year-old Raven-Symoné two decades ago.
RELATED: Kalen Allen Claims He’s Facing Death Threats Following Controversy Over Viral Video Featuring Him, Raven-Symoné, and Her Wife Discussing the Racial Identity of Raven Baxter
What Sparked Raven-Symoné’s Trending Topic This Week?
In April, Kalen Allen appeared on the ‘Tea Time’ podcast hosted by Raven-Symoné and Miranda Maday. During their discussion, they touched upon Raven’s racial identity, the Disney series ‘That’s So Raven,’ and the character of Raven Baxter. The viral clip begins with Raven stating that her Blackness “can manifest in various ways.” Kalen then interjects, asserting that Raven-Symoné was misled, emphasizing that “Raven Baxter was unequivocally Black…” In response, Raven questioned, “Was she Black?” She further challenged Kalen to focus on the dialogue rather than the color of the characters. Many viewers reacted by sharing their perspectives on why Raven Baxter was indeed portrayed as Black in the series.
Gloria Almonte Recounts Her Interaction With Young Raven-Symoné
As the debate surrounding Raven Baxter unfolds, Gloria Almonte shared a personal anecdote about a 15-year-old Raven-Symoné that also gained traction online. Three days ago, on Threads, the former Miss Teen USA contestant recounted her conversation with Raven during the pageant held on August 22, 2001. At that time, Raven would have been around 15 years old, and Almonte mentioned that she served as one of the celebrity judges. Almonte reflected on how Raven discussed the winner, Miss Missouri, during their interaction.
“At the coronation party, she was all over me, saying how she didn’t vote for the Black girl (Miss Missouri, the winner) but instead voted for me! Her little brother adored me and wanted to take pictures with me. In that moment, my mind was racing from being on live TV and dealing with the disappointment of losing my dream and all the publicity. Her comment just went over my head, and I didn’t think much of it at the time.”
Gloria mentioned that she did not dwell on Raven’s words back then due to the overwhelming nature of the pageant. she seemed to highlight her discomfort with Raven’s phrasing, noting her own Puerto Rican heritage. “What is wrong with this woman?” she expressed.
Why Gloria Almonte Felt Compelled to Share Her Story About Raven-Symoné
RELATED: Wait! Raven-Symoné Reveals the True Inspiration Behind Her Iconic “Ya Nasty” Catchphrase from ‘That’s So Raven’ (VIDEO)
What Are Your Thoughts, Roomies?
David Bridges
Ivy Caldwell
